Model Camp: Philippines War Tour

Lombard Gate Entrance

The army attempted to improve conditions here as the volunteer soldiers returned home.

In April 1901, the San Francisco Call paper reported:

"The volunteers in camp and regular troops at the Presidio were greatly pleased at the reopening of the Red Cross tent yesterday, and showed their appreciation by crowding the canvas structure. Magazines, newspapers and story books were eagerly grasped by the soldiers. Most of the men prefer a quiet spot and a periodical to read to spending their time roaming aimlessly about the camp. The intention is to secure a piano and a collection of all sorts of games to furnish amusement for the soldiers. Maps and atlases are greatly in demand and dictionaries are greatly needed. The tent will be lighted by electricity and be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Chaplain Miller has secured it for one night a week and will endeavor to provide entertainment for the men. There are at present 9000 soldiers at the Presidio, and the reservation presents a lively aspect. Hundreds of visitors spend hours there daily, and the scene is not unlike the appearance of the reservation at the outbreak of the war."

As the volunteer soldiers returned home, it became evident that the army would need to improve conditions here. The first indication that the camps needed something more than canvas tents came in May 1902 when Maj. Gen. Robert Hughes wrote to Washington saying:

"The Army has spent $60,000 on canvas at San Francisco since 1898 and something more permanent is required. I recommend construction of temporary barracks of rough lumber, double tier bunks, and small heating stoves for four battalions."

To house and feed the returning soldiers, the Army constructed the wood-frame buildings across Lombard Street in 1903, incorporating them with the older wooden kitchens and mess halls surviving from the 1899 Model Camp. Even then, the conditions were considered substandard. The San Francisco Call reported in July of 1904:

"General Adna Chaffee, chief of staff United States Army, accompanied by General Charles Humphrey, made an inspection of the Presidio yesterday. There was no review, no salute, no inspection of the troops. Every department was inspected including the main barracks, cantonments, warehouses and both hospitals. General Chaffee now has a full understanding of the needs of the Presidio. On entering the post, General Chaffee was received in the little shack that serves as headquarters for the Infantry Cantonment. They could barely squeeze in there and Colonel Pitcher took advantage of the occasion to call attention to the needs of an administration building. As far as the cantonments are concerned, the head of the army made a special and complete investigation. Whether he recommends an appropriation for entirely new barracks or whether he will decide that the present quarters of the cantonment camps are sufficient remains to be seen."