By: Maj. Gen. Christopher P. Hughes
U.S. Army Cadet Command & Fort Knox Commanding General
It’s a particularly special year for Fort Knox, as 2018 is the Army post’s centennial. However, what would make this time in its history even more meaningful and impactful is hearing your stories about this military installation and helping in the collective effort to rediscover Fort Knox.
Literally millions of people have descended upon Fort Knox over the years, and millions more have some other forms of connection. So imagine just how many fascinating and notable stories that are out there but simply not captured and at risk of being lost to time if we don’t take this centennial opportunity to learn more.
Certainly, Fort Knox and area historians know much about the missions, major events and even unusual activities that have occurred on the post. The fact remains, though, that they don’t know–and can’t possibly know–the entire Fort Knox story. That’s why it’s key that those with Fort Knox ties, however loose they may be, come forward with any fun, interesting, unique or otherwise noteworthy information and artifacts. Doing so has the potential to uncover major findings, shed more light on the human dynamics at play over the years and capture the very essence of this place that has meant so much to so many.
The means to achieve this endeavor is simple and straightforward.
No. 1: Email knoxpao@gmail.com any historical stories and images you wish to share about Fort Knox as well as your full name. The Fort Knox Centennial History Team will review each email and, depending on the nature of the content provided, may contact you directly for more information (e.g., interview, request to view an artifact/object in person).
No. 2: Monitor Fort Knox’s Facebook and Twitter sites, as well as The Gold Standard newspaper throughout the year. The Centennial History Team is working to fill knowledge gaps on a variety of topics and will use these communications mediums to solicit additional insights to crack “cold cases” and pick up “where the trail ends.”
I’m convinced results will come. In fact, they already have. Earlier this month, a Hardin County resident alerted a Centennial History Team member to a painting. The local said the artwork had been passed down through his family over the decades. As it turns out, a German World War II POW at Fort Knox’s POW camp who was assigned duty at one of the post’s laundry services created the piece of art and gave it a laundry service employee – the resident’s grandfather. What a captivating and enlightening part of history, and there is plenty more out there.
Now, as one might expect, the post will have several activities and communications products throughout the year to appropriately recognize the Fort Knox centennial itself and highlight the installation’s contributions at large. So stay plugged in to information outlets for such content. I believe you’ll find it to be interesting and educational.
Still, I sincerely ask for your help in expanding our overall knowledge of this 100-year-old military installation. Together, let’s rediscover Fort Knox!
