Camp Iron Mountain

A million men trained in these deserts before the Desert Training Center shut in May 1944, and the 3rd Armored Division came through this camp first, followed by parts of the 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th. What sets Iron Mountain apart is what the engineers left lying on the ground: an enormous relief map laid into the desert floor to brief tank crews on terrain. Rock outlines, nothing to steal. The plaque records it as still visible in 1985.

What the plaque says

Iron Mountain Divisional Camp was established at this site in the spring of 1942. One of eleven such sites built in the California-Arizona Desert to harden and train United States Troops for service on the battlefields of World War II. The first major unit trained here was the 3rd Armored Division followed by elements of the 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th Armored Divisions. In all, one million men trained in the desert before the training center was offically closed in May of 1944. The most unique feature built in this camp is the huge map built into the desert floor. It can still be seen. This monument is dedicated to the men and women who served here.

Where it stands

More markers nearby

• Camp Coxcomb — 14 mi