FORT THOMAS — The Army post in Fort Thomas served its country well from 1888, when it replaced the Newport Barracks, until 1964 when the Army decided to close it down. The fort was named in honor of Civil War hero Gen. George Henry Thomas, who never set foot in Kentucky.

        The post served as an induction center during the Spanish-American War and the two World Wars. Each week, 3,000 inductees from Ohio, Indiana, West Virginia and Kentucky were processed through Fort Thomas during World War II.

Exterior of the old mess hall of the Fort Thomas military reservation, which now serves as a community center for wedding receptions, parties and art shows. (Enquirer file photo) | ZOOM |

        Eight years after the Army post's shutdown in 1964, the government donated 88 acres of the parcel to the city of Fort Thomas. The post then began another tour of duty, this time serving the community in a more genteel manner, as a park and recreation area.

        Director Don Brindle has orchestrated a selection of year-round recreation programs for all age groups from Kinder Gym for Tots to low-impact aerobics for seniors.

        Basketball, volleyball, tennis, concerts, family picnics and hiking trails have replaced military vehicles, marching soldiers and Army barracks. The old mess hall has been renovated and now serves as a community center for wedding receptions, parties and art shows.

        Although the rows of red brick homes that once housed junior officers have been sold, three areas of the Army post are still under government control. The hospital is now a Veterans Affairs Nursing Home and an Army Reserve unit uses one building for storage. The 10 former commanding officers' homes that overlook the Ohio River are now leased to V.A. staff administrators.
       

       Now and Then, a look at historic places in Northern Kentucky, is published on Sundays in The Kentucky Enquirer. If there is a place you would like to see featured, call 578-5555.

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