Fort Bliss History

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Fort Bliss is a United States Army post that resides in El Paso, Texas. This fort has its place in history, which still stands between the borders of Mexico and the United States. Fort Bliss has become successful from its many contributions to the military and for our country. The evolution of Fort Bliss has altered throughout the years. It started from the day it was founded, its location, and its functions. It has performed many roles that have made it advantageous to the United States Army.
William Wallace Smith Bliss was a math educator who was drafted for the Mexican-American war. Bliss transferred into the Texas and Mexico area during his employment in the army. During his active duty of war, Bliss had received the title of a colonel.
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By the order of Colonel Edmund Alexander, Fort Bliss was moved to Magoffinsville. The order was placed as a barrier to guard against Apache Native Americans who were attacking the citizens. According to the Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, it states, “originally strategically located near the ice-free through the Rocky Mts., it guarded the U.S.-Mexican border and protected west- bound gold seekers… task forces against Cochise and Geronimo…” (Fort Bliss, Columbia) In the year of 1867, the Rio Grande had caused a flood. This overwhelming flow of water had reached Fort Bliss, which resulted in the alterations of its position on Camp Concordia. After eleven years the government decided to lease its property. They had purchased land on Harts Mill and transfers Fort Bliss into the area (Fort Bliss). Due to many obstacles, Fort Bliss has been reassigned to different locations throughout the El Paso area. As the years passed the fort was used for many things that benefited the …show more content…
Because of fort bliss’ location it had been indicative to any transgressions between the border of the U.S. and Mexico. Fort Bliss was well known as a horse cavalry post. During 1910-1920, according to a survey history of Fort Bliss, it notes, “because of its strategic border location…The Zimmerman Telegram affair kept international attention focused on the border.” (Jamieson, pg.17). While the Mexican Revolution was occurring, in 1917 world war I began. The government had Fort Bliss operated as an enlistment post. Within Fort Bliss, they had offered a variety of training academies for military students (Jamieson, pg.29). After World War I the government decided to institute William Beaumont Hospital. Later on, more facilities were established such as air force bases (Texas Handbook). These air force bases extensively were exercised during World War II for aircraft drills intended for the soldiers. A Survey of History of Fort Bliss writes, “Fort Bliss shed its role as the nation’s most prominent Calvary post and emerged from World War II the nation antiaircraft artillery center” (“Jamieson, pg. 53). Because of its efficient operations, Fort Bliss has expanded throughout history. It had started from the bottom and rose from many military opportunities. According to the Survey of History of Fort Bliss it states, “The third largest facility of its kind in the country, it had enormous amounts

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