In 2021, Congress established a Naming Commission tasked with finding new names for bases that were established as tributes to Confederate leaders. Today, Fort Gordon is officially redesignated Fort Eisenhower.
In October 2022, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin signed off on the Naming Commission’s recommendations to rename the following bases:
- Fort Bragg (North Carolina) to Fort Liberty
- Fort Gordon (Georgia) to Fort Eisenhower
- Fort Hood (Texas) to Fort Cavazos
- Fort Lee (Virginia) to Fort Gregg-Adams
- Fort Pickett (Virginia) to Fort Barfoot
- Fort Rucker (Alabama) to Fort Novosel
Why is Fort Gordon being renamed?
Fort Eisenhower’s history stretches back to WWI; it was originally named “Camp Gordon” after Major General of the Confederate Army, LTG John Brown Gordon, a native Georgian, soldier, legislator, and businessman.
As Camp Gordon, the post was the training home of the 82nd Division. Among men trained during that period was future Medal of Honor recipient Alvin York. Did you know York just got his own graphic novel?
After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the 4th Infantry Division established operations at Fort Eisenhower. During the war, it was home to three Divisions – the 4th Infantry, the 26th Infantry, and the 10th Armored.
Following WWII, Eisenhower became home to a Disciplinary Barracks. Slated to be closed in 1948, the Army relocated the Military Police School and Eisenhower remained open.
From the 1950s through the 1970s, Eisenhower served as a BCT post under the Third Army. Then, in 1974, the Army moved its Signal School from Fort Monmouth to Fort Eisenhower. This consolidated all signal training to one location.
Since 1986, Fort Eisenhower has been the home of the Signal Corps Regiment. Then, recognizing the need for advanced cyber training, the Army established the Cyber School at Fort Eisenhower in 2014. In 2016, Fort Eisenhower marked its 75th year as an active military installation.
Here’s everything to know about Fort Eisenhower
Location
Fort Eisenhower is located in Augusta, Georgia, along the Georgia-South Carolina border. Augusta is 139 miles east of Atlanta and 130 miles from Savannah.
Directions
Fort Eisenhower can be reached by car using the following routes.
Heading in from the north? Take I-95 S to I-20 W to GA-10 W and follow signs.
Driving up from Florida? Take I-95 N to I-16 W, then take I-520 W and follow signs.
Coming from Charleston? Take I-26 W to I-20 W, follow signs .
Making the trek from the west? Take I-40 E to I-20 E, then take GA-223 E and follow signs.
Transportation
Flying to the closest airports: Augusta Regional Airport, Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
August Regional Airport (17.6 miles) is served by Delta and American Airlines.
Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (126 miles) is served by American, Delta, Southwest, and United Airlines, as well as several regional airlines.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (143 miles) is served by all major airlines.
Driving to Fort Eisenhower would allow you to travel around Augusta more easily, but prepare for a long drive, especially if coming from the West Coast!
Contacts at Fort Eisenhower
Army Community Service: (706) 791-3579
Base Exchange: (706) 793-7171
Behavioral Health: (706) 787-3143
Better Opportunity for Single Soldiers (BOSS): (706) 791-5902
BG Tingay Dental Clinic: (706) 787-5102
Chaplain: (706) 791-5653
Charlie Norwood Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center: (706) 733-0188
Child Development Center: (706) 791-2701
Civilian Personnel Advisory Center (CPAC): (706) 791-3840
Commissary: (762) 333-7610
DOD SAFE Helpline: (877) 995-5247
Eisenhower Army Medical Center: (706) 787-5811
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO): (706) 791-4551
Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP): (706) 791-3579
Exchange Pharmacy: (706) 787-7300 | (706) 787-0115
Family Advocacy Program (FAP): (706) 791-3579
Family Child Care: (706) 791-4722
Hospital & Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Dental Clinic: (706) 787-5322
Housing Services Office: (706) 772-7041
ID Card Section/DEERS Office: (706) 791-1927 | (706) 791-1930
Inspector General: (706) 791-4565
Legal Assistance: (706) 791-7812 | (706) 791-7813
Lodging Reservations: (706) 790-3676
Main Outpatient Pharmacy: (706) 787-8033
MG Snyder Dental Clinic: (706) 787-7050 | (706) 787-6265
Military Equal Opportunity and Harassment 24/7 Hotline: (706) 294-4571
Public Affairs Office: (706) 791-4306
School Support Services: (706) 791-7270
Sexual Harassment/Assault Response & Prevention Resource Center: (706) 791-0020
Suicide Prevention Hotline: (706) 791-9747
Travel (Leisure): (706) 771-0089
Veterinary Clinic: (706) 797-3815
Visitor Control Center: (706) 791-3071
Wellness Center: (706) 787-6756
Fort Eisenhower Mission and Units
Mission readiness is paramount to the overall mission at Fort Eisenhower. Here, signal and cyber Soldiers train in the latest development of their fields.
Units include the 15th Regimental Signal Brigade, the 551st Signal Battalion, and the 369th Signal Battalion. Additionally, you’ll find the 442nd Signal Battalion, the Ordnance Training Detachment, and the Cyber Non-Commissioned Officer Academy.
Several MI tenants are embedded at Fort Eisenhower, including the 319th Military Intelligence (B Company), the 502nd Military Intelligence (B Company), and the 513th Military Intelligence Brigade. Speaking of MI, here are the top 4 things you should know about gathering intel.
Other branches are also at Eisenhower, including the Marine Support Battalion (Company D), and a series of Air Force Units.
Things to Do Around Fort Eisenhower
On post, there are plenty of options. Be sure to check out the Gordon Lakes Golf Club, the Community Garden, and the Hilltop Riding Stable. Likewise, you won’t want to miss the Outdoor Pool & Spray Park, the Dinner Theatre, and the Woodworth Library. Of course off post, there’s a ton to do, too. In the Augusta area, you’ll find a number of museums, parks and other fun activities.
Keep in mind that the Masters Golf Tournament turns Fort Eisenhower and Augusta upside down! Plan to stay in during this week and eat at home. Everywhere will be packed.
Hotels
Home2 Suites by Hilton Grovetown Augusta Area (6.1 miles)
Candlewood Suites (5.3 miles)
Hampton Inn Augusta/Eisenhower Highway (7.9 miles)
Food Scene
Augusta is Georgia’s second largest city, so foodies posted to Fort Eisenhower are in luck! Lots of locally-owned restaurants dot the culinary landscape in Augusta, so there’s something for every taste and budget. Of course, Georgia is known for fried chicken and shrimp and grits, so you don’t want to miss out on those. But there’s so much more to discover! Don’t miss out of a hearty bowl of chicken and dumplings or Brunswick Stew. When it’s time for dessert, you have to go for the pecan pie – along with peaches, Georgia is famous for its pecans.
Activities
Pendleton King Park (12.7 miles) is a 64-acre bird sanctuary in Augusta. It also has hiking trails, Lake Elizabeth, a disc golf course, tennis courts, and more.
Augusta Museum of History (17.1 miles) is a place where you can learn all about the history of Augusta and the Central Savannah River Region, That means you’ll get a chance to check out the oldest known human settlements over 12,000 years ago to the present. Additionally, there are several amazing signature exhibits to explore, like the Transportation Corridor and the History of Golf.
The Augusta Community Garden (6.5 miles) is a great place for members of the local military community to gather, learn and grow both themselves and the beautiful flora. There’s a gardening club you can join and a children’s program to teach youngsters how to tend plants of all kinds.
Housing at Fort Eisenhower
All single soldiers have to report to Darling Hall for inprocessing. From there, you’ll be assigned temporary barracks. Permanent barracks are assigned once you’ve been assigned to a unit.
Of course, you’ll want to call the Military Housing Office after receiving PCS orders. That way, you’ll have the most up-to-date information about the housing climate.
Fort Eisenhower Family Homes is a private community located on post that serves military families calling Fort Eisenhower home. It’s managed by Balfour Beatty Communities. Families can choose from six different neighborhoods. Amenities include fitness centers, community centers, and more.
Schools near Fort Eisenhower
School-aged mil-kids living on post can enroll and attend Freedom Park School. It’s part of the Richmond County School System.
Mil-kids also have the option of Columbia County School District in Georgia or Aiken County Public School District in South Carolina.
Additionally, child care centers are available on post.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Fort Eisenhower?
Fort Eisenhower has approximately 16,000 service members. The installation supports a population of roughly 80,000.
What is there to do in Fort Eisenhower?
There is a lot to do in Fort Eisenhower! Check out our list up top.
Can visitors enter Fort Eisenhower?
Yes! All non-DoD personnel 18 years of age and older requesting access to Fort Eisenhower are required to obtain a favorable NCIC background check and a visitor’s pass at Gate 6 off Eisenhower Highway.
Does Fort Eisenhower have a hospital?
Yes. The Charlie Norwood Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center is located in Augusta, GA, and the Eisenhower Army Medical Center is located on Fort Eisenhower.