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Fort Hood, TX

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Fort Hood, TX

Fort Cavazos is a United States Army post located near Killeen, Texas. The post is named after Gen. Richard E. Cavazos, a native Texan, and the US Army’s first Hispanic four-star general. Formerly named Fort Hood for Confederate General John Bell Hood, the post is located halfway between Austin and Waco, about 60 mi (97 km) from each, within the U.S. state of Texas. The post is the headquarters of III Armored Corps and First Army Division West and is home to the 1st Cavalry Division and 3rd Cavalry Regiment, among others.

Its origin was the need for wide-open space to test and train with World War II tank destroyers. The War Department announced the location in January 1942, and the initial completion was set for that August. As originally constructed, Fort Cavazos had an area of 158,706 acres (64,226 ha), with billeting for 6,007 officers and 82,610 enlisted personnel. The main cantonment of Fort Cavazos had a total population of 53,416 as of the 2010 U.S. Census. Fort Cavazos was the most populous U.S. military installation in the world. The main business area is in Bell County, with the training countryside area of the post in Coryell County. In April 2014, the base's website listed 45,414 assigned soldiers and 8,900 civilian employees covering an area of 214,000 acres (87,000 ha).

During World War II, tank destroyers were developed to counter German mobile armored units. These were mobile anti-tank guns on armored half-tracks or specially developed tanks. Wide-open space was needed for the tank destroyer testing and training, which Texas had in abundance. Andrew Davis (A.D.) Bruce was assigned to organize a new Tank Destroyer Tactical and Firing Center, and he chose Killeen, Texas for the new camp. The War Department announced the selection on 15 January 1942. An initial acquisition of 180,000 acres (730 km2) was made, and it was estimated that the camp would cost $22.8 million for the land, facilities, and development of utilities. The date of completion was set for 15 August 1942.

About 300 families had to move from their homes to make room for the camp area and the communities of Clear Creek, Elijah, and Antelope were demolished to facilitate construction of the base. The old Sugar Loaf community, historically called the "Cradle of Killeen," provided the city with many of its first citizens in 1882. All that remains of the community is the mountain from which it took its name, located in the Fort Cavazos area. To lessen the burden of moving, the Army agreed to allow land to be used for grazing for a nominal grazing fee. This grazing arrangement continues today.

In terms of health and wellness, Fort Hood places a strong emphasis on supporting the well-being of its military community. The Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center, located within the installation, offers comprehensive healthcare services to military personnel, veterans, and their families. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs offered by the Fort Hood Recreation and Community Services Department. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Tru Fit Athletic Clubs, Texas Family Fitness, and All Hours Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Fort Hood, such as the Purser Loop and the Kyle Hilliard Trail. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Fort Hood, TX include the 1st Cavalry Division Museum, Mayborn Science Theater, and Great Escape Room of Central Texas.

Population: 28,295 (2020). Elevation: 921 feet (281 m). ZIP Code: 76544. Area code: 254. Area: 332.05 sq mi (860 sq km).

FAQs

What is Fort Hood, TX is known for?

Fort Cavazos, formerly known as Fort Hood, is the Army's Premier Installation to train and deploy heavy forces. A 214,968-acre installation, Fort Cavazos is the only post in the United States capable of stationing and training two Armored Divisions. The rolling, semi-arid terrain is ideal for multifaceted training and testing of military units and individuals.

What is the reputation of Fort Hood, TX?

Fort Hood was one such base at the center of the controversy. 39 soldiers stationed at the base died or went missing in 2020. The killing of Vanessa Guillén at Fort Hood in April 2020 brought national attention to the base and the broader culture of sexual harassment in the military.

What is the crime rate in Fort Hood, TX?

Fort Hood is safer than the majority of cities, towns, and villages in America (60%) and also has a lower crime rate than 67% of the communities in Texas, according to NeighborhoodScout's analysis of FBI crime data. Your chance of becoming a victim in Fort Hood is one in 134 based on the total crime rate (violent and property crimes, combined). In America overall, your chance of becoming a victim of crime is 1 in 43.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Killeen

Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center

Fort Hood Recreation and Community Services Department

Tru Fit Athletic Clubs

Texas Family Fitness

All Hours Fitness

Purser Loop 

Kyle Hilliard Trail

1st Cavalry Division Museum

Mayborn Science Theater

Great Escape Room of Central Texas

Base Guide

Neighborhoodscout

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