The Fort Oglethorpe Welcome Center
Your gateway to history, adventure, and southern hospitality.
10 Barnhardt Circle, Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742
Open Monday-Friday, 10 am-5 pm. Admission is always free.
Phone: (706) 841-0339 welcomecenter@fortoglethorpega.gov
Our Welcome Center is located on the parade ground of the historic US Army cavalry post. The Welcome Center houses historic artifacts, photographs, and interpretive information covering local, American, and global history from the Spanish-American War through World War 1 to World War 2. The Center is surrounded by many of the original officer's housing and other post buildings completed in 1905 in the Classic Renaissance Revival architectural style. The Fort Oglethorpe Historic District was added to the National Historic Register in 1979. The Historic District is adjacent to the Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park, commemorating the famous Civil War battle of September 1863.
We give our guests a warm welcome that includes essential information, exclusive discounts, detailed directions to local attractions, and a memorable keepsake, ensuring every guest remembers their visit.
We are passionate about sharing our unique story! Have you ever heard about how the Chickamauga Battlefield became a training ground for US Soldiers during the Spanish-American War? It's a fascinating part of our past. Did you know that once a vital military post, our area attracted Hollywood's attention as a filming location? Plus, the iconic Jeep's innovative development also has roots here.
These captivating stories are just a glimpse of the rich tapestry of our story waiting to be discovered.Explore the captivating history and architecture of Barnhardt Circle, the vibrant core of the former military post, with our engaging Walking Tour. Whether you prefer to grab a guide from our Welcome Center or embark on a virtual tour, you're in for an unforgettable journey through time and heritage.
Keep Your Powder Dry, starring Lana Turner, is a compelling film that showcases the challenges faced by women as they strive to adapt to the rigors of life in the Women's Army Corps, with some scenes shot in the picturesque setting of Fort Oglethorpe.
In the 1940s, the new Bantam car, which would later become famously known by its nickname "Jeep," underwent rigorous testing at this site, alongside newer ambulance models and the early prototypes of what we now recognize as Mobile Army Surgical Hospitals (MASHs).