Fort Stewart
Fort Stewart is a United States Army installation located primarily in Liberty and Bryan counties, southeastern Georgia, serving as the primary home station for the 3rd Infantry Division.[1][2] Encompassing approximately 280,000 acres, it ranks as the largest Army post east of the Mississippi River and functions as the Army's premier power projection platform on the East Coast, responsible for training, equipping, deploying, and sustaining mechanized infantry and armored forces.[3][2] Established in 1940 as Camp Stewart initially for anti-aircraft artillery training amid World War II preparations, the base expanded significantly post-war to support maneuver warfare and has since hosted key divisional operations.[2][4] The installation includes Hunter Army Airfield and supports over 16,000 military personnel, alongside thousands of civilian employees and family members residing in more than 3,000 housing units.[2][3] Fort Stewart's strategic significance stems from its role in rapid deployment capabilities, with units from the 3rd Infantry Division contributing to major U.S. military engagements, including the invasions of Iraq in 2003 and subsequent operations.[1] Its expansive training areas enable large-scale live-fire exercises and combined arms maneuvers essential for maintaining combat readiness.[3]Geography
Location and Boundaries
Fort Stewart is located in southeastern Georgia, primarily within Liberty and Bryan counties, with smaller portions extending into Evans, Long, and Tattnall counties.[5][6] The installation lies approximately 40 miles southwest of Savannah and directly north of Hinesville, the nearest city.[6] This positioning places it in close proximity to major coastal ports such as the Port of Savannah, facilitating efficient access to Atlantic shipping routes for logistical operations.[4] The military reservation spans about 279,270 acres, forming a roughly rectangular area measuring 32 miles by 17 miles, which qualifies it as the largest U.S. Army installation east of the Mississippi River.[7][8] These boundaries encompass diverse land uses, including training ranges and impact areas, acquired progressively since the establishment of Camp Stewart in 1940.[9] The installation's jurisdictional extent is under federal control, with surrounding civilian areas in Liberty and Bryan counties providing support infrastructure.[10]