The area now known as Fort Lewis was first recognized for its potential as a military reservation in the early 1900s when a series of militia and national guard encampments were held in the area. Camp Lewis was established as the United States entered World War I in 1917 and became the first Army installation in the history of the nation to be created as a direct result of the outright gift of land by private citizens. During World War I, Camp Lewis became the largest military post of the era. Here, thousands of "doughboys" trained for the Great War and began a tradition of training excellence that continues to this day. In 1927, the camp was designated a permanent post and offically became Fort Lewis.

The story of this important military installation is told here in a series of historic photographs, from the collections of Fort Lewis Military Museum dating from the early 20th century to the present. The photographs capture not only the natural beauty of the area and prominent buildings, but also many of the men and women who have served their nation at Fort Lewis.