Guidebook

NO. 985 DESERT TRAINING CENTER, CALIFORNIA-ARIZONA MANEUVER AREA (ESTABLISHED BY MAJOR GENERAL GEORGE S. PATTON, JR.) - CAMP IRON MOUNTAIN - Iron Mountain Divisional Camp was established at this site in the Spring of 1942. One of eleven such camps 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 officially closed in May of 1944. The most unique feature built at this camp is the huge relief map built into the desert floor. It can still be seen (1985).

Location

45 mi E of Indio on I-10, take Hwy 177 N to right on Hwy 62, plaque is 5.9 mi. Landmark is on north side of CA-62.
Open Map

CHL No. 985.4 Camp Iron Mountain - Marker

CHL No. 985.4 Camp Iron Mountain - Marker

CHL No. 985.4 Camp Iron Mountain - Plaque