Fort Detrick is located in Frederick, Maryland and conveniently located an hour from both Washington, D.C and Baltimore, Maryland as well as several airports Dulles, BWI, and Reagan National. It boasts a 1200-acre property.
The US Army Garrison, Fort Detrick, provides sustainable base operations support, quality of life programs, and environmental stewardship to facilitate the sustainment of vital national interests. The US Army Garrison, Fort Detrick, supports five cabinet-level agencies: The Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Agriculture, Department of Homeland Security and Department of Health and Human Services.
The climate in Frederick, Maryland is typically hot summers and generally cool winters with mild to medium level snow fall. It’s location within the Appalachian Mountains makes it somewhat cooler than locations south and east.
Quick Facts
| Coordinates | 39° 26' 53.87" N 77° 25' 40.37" W |
|---|---|
| City | Frederick, MD 21702 |
| Phone | 301-619-2197 |
| DSN | 343-2197 |
History of Fort Detrick
Fort Detrick started as “Camp Detrick” in 1943 and was home to the U.S. Army Biological Warfare Laboratories which dealt largely with containment of nuclear contamination. During the later years of World War II, it became a site of biological warfare research and held the Army’s Chemical Warfare Service which was a heavily guarded secret which was not released to the public until 1946.
Following this, Camp Detrick expanded and continued to research dangerous chemicals which could be used for attack including Anthrax. It was renamed Fort Detrick in 1956 and continues to do research regarding illnesses such as Ebola and Filovirus. The Fort has also been featured in a variety of television shows based on its proximity to Washington, DC.
Lodging
Fort Detrick Army Lodge was officially closed as of 30 September 2004, however, there are many local hotels which are recommended by the Army Base.
Moral, Welfare, and Recreation
Fort Detrick works hard everyday to ensure that military personnel and their families, past and present, have access to Child, Youth and School Services which are provided on base. Program topics range from financial counseling to deployment readiness.
There is plenty of entertainment offered at the base including the US ARMY Soldier Show – Operation Rising Star, Army Concert Tours. Leisure Activities such as bowling, golf, auto skill shops, campgrounds are available and Single Soldiers have access to programs such as community service, leisure trips, and other life improving opportunities.
Schools
Frederick County Schools offer public education for grades K-12 including several Blue Ribbon winning schools based on overall success rates. For more information, please call 301-644-5000 or e-mail [email protected]
Things to Do
Historic Frederick County offers many outdoor recreational attractions including a host of hiking trails, Heritage Museums, Civil War Sites, and ample restaurant selections. Its proximity to Washington, DC and Baltimore offer many day trip opportunities and History buffs can enjoy Gettysburg and Antietam National Parks in relatively short drives.