History of Fort Ben
Established in 1906 in Lawrence, Indiana, Fort Benjamin Harrison served as a major U.S. Army training and mobilization center through both World Wars. Named for the 23rd U.S. President, it was a major troop induction center before closing in 1996. Today, the site is recognized as a historic district and features a state park, residential areas, and recreational amenities.
Driven by passion
Fort Benjamin Harrison is nationally significant as an example of a well preserved, Pre-World War I military installation. During two wars it became a regional mobilization center. Later it became a site of state CCC and other training activities, and an Army Air Corps airfield. 1