History of Fort Meade

Foundation and Military Beginnings

The history of Fort Meade differs from the classic development scenario of cities that grew from trading settlements. This locality was created by government order in 1917. The facility was originally named "Camp Meade" and was founded as a training camp for preparing recruits following the entry of the United States into the First World War.

Key Factors of Establishment

The transformation of a quiet rural area into a strategically important point was driven by a number of factors:

• Geographical Location: The site was chosen due to its location between two key cities — Baltimore and Washington, as well as its proximity to Annapolis.
• Transport Accessibility: The presence of a nearby railway line played a decisive role, allowing for the rapid delivery of construction materials, food supplies, and the deployment of personnel.
• Landscape: The vast flat territories were ideally suited for the rapid construction of barracks and the organisation of training grounds.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Prior to the founding of the base, the lands of modern Fort Meade were occupied by small farms specialising in the cultivation of tobacco and grain crops. With the arrival of the military, the region's way of life changed radically:

• Instant Urbanisation: In just a few months, thousands of buildings were erected on the site of fields, creating the infrastructure of a fully-fledged city with a hospital, warehouses, and accommodation.
• Change of Status: From a temporary camp, the facility quickly evolved into a permanent settlement. By 1928, it received the status of a permanent garrison and was renamed Fort George G. Meade in honour of the famous Civil War era general.

Major Development Milestones

• 1917 — Foundation of the "Camp Meade" training camp for the preparation of recruits after the US entry into the First World War.
• 1928 — The facility receives permanent garrison status and is officially renamed Fort George G. Meade.
• 1941–1945 — During the Second World War, the base serves as a major training centre and a holding facility for prisoners of war.
• 1947 — The headquarters of the Second US Army relocates to the fort's territory, increasing its strategic significance.
• 1957 — The transfer of the National Security Agency (NSA) headquarters to Fort Meade is completed, defining the base's future specialisation.
• 1993 — The National Cryptologic Museum opens to the general public, becoming the first attraction of its kind in the country.
• 2005 — As part of the reorganisation (BRAC), a decision is made to move the headquarters of the Defence Information Systems Agency (DISA) here, leading to a massive expansion of infrastructure.
• 2010 — Official commencement of operations for the US Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM), located within the fort.
• 2016 — Fort Meade confirms its status as the largest employer in the state of Maryland, uniting dozens of government organisations and military units.

Stages of Transformation and Development

The history of Fort Meade is a journey from a temporary camp to a world-class high-tech centre. Key stages of its development have had a significant impact on the economy and appearance of the region:

• Infrastructure Start (1917): The founding of the camp turned quiet farmlands into a bustling centre with railway connections and thousands of new structures, laying the foundation for the area's urbanisation.
• Architectural Stabilisation (1928): Obtaining permanent garrison status was marked by a transition from temporary wooden structures to capital construction. Brick buildings in the Georgian style appeared, forming the historical look of the fort.
• Economic Reorientation (1957): The relocation of the National Security Agency (NSA) radically changed the profile of the facility. The fort became the state's largest employer, attracted thousands of civilian specialists, and stimulated the development of the service sector.
• Cultural Initiative (1993): The opening of the National Cryptologic Museum was an important step towards interaction with the public. The appearance of a unique attraction accessible to tourists added cultural significance to the fort.
• Urban Renewal (2002): The launch of the Residential Communities Initiative (RCI) privatisation programme attracted private investment for the renovation of homes for military families, which significantly improved the quality of life and comfort of living within the territory.
• Business Expansion (2005): Under the reorganisation (BRAC), the fort accepted new agencies, including DISA. This caused a veritable construction boom, the expansion of office spaces, and a massive modernisation of the road network.
• Technological Specialisation (2010): The placement of US Cyber Command finally cemented Fort Meade's role as a global cyber-hub, influencing the growth of the IT sector and educational programmes throughout Maryland.

Architectural Appearance and Layout

Fort Meade represents a unique example of military urbanism, where the strictness of army order is combined with elements of a "garden city" and modern office campuses. The urban development of the facility followed master plans that changed depending on strategic tasks: from a temporary tent camp with a regular grid of streets to a complex structure with restricted zones, residential quarters, and parks.

Stylistic Diversity by Era

The architecture of Fort Meade clearly reflects the stages of its transformation from a training centre into a technological hub:

• Colonial Revival (1920s–1930s): The most expressive historical layer. When the fort received permanent garrison status, the construction of capital buildings in the Georgian Revival style began. They are characterised by red brick, white columns, symmetrical facades, slate roofs, and dormer windows. This style was intended to symbolise the reliability and continuity of American traditions.
• Utilitarian Functionalism (1940s–1950s): During the Second World War and the early Cold War, construction speed became the priority. So-called "temporary" structures appeared — simple wooden and block constructions without decoration, many of which were used for decades.
• Institutional Modernism (1960s–1980s): With the expansion of the National Security Agency (NSA) presence, massive administrative complexes arose on the territory. These are monumental buildings made of concrete and dark glass, accentuating security and functionality, often with elements of brutalism.
• Modern Corporate Style (21st Century): The newest facilities, built as part of modernisation, resemble the campuses of IT giants. The buildings are distinguished by panoramic glazing, the use of steel and composite materials, as well as compliance with ecological standards (LEED).

Iconic Structures and Districts

Despite the closed nature of many facilities, key architectural landmarks stand out within the fort's territory, shaping its historical face:

• Historic District: The core of the old garrison, including brick mansions for officers and inter-war period barracks. The atmosphere of a cosy American town from the first half of the 20th century is preserved here, with alleys and lawns.
• Smallwood Hall: The historic headquarters building, executed in a classic Georgian style with an elegant portico. It serves as the visual centre of the old part of the fort.
• Garrison Chapels: Several religious structures on the territory are built in a restrained style characteristic of American military architecture and serve as important community centres.

Historical Figures and Military Commanders

• George Gordon Meade — Union Army General.
  Although the general himself lived in the 19th century and became famous for the victory at the Battle of Gettysburg, he is invisibly linked to the city. It was in his honour that the fort received its permanent name in 1928, immortalising the memory of the commander of the Army of the Potomac during the Civil War.
• Dwight D. Eisenhower — 34th President of the USA, General of the Army.
  In 1919, as a young officer, Eisenhower served at Camp Meade, commanding a tank battalion. It was here that he worked on developing tank warfare tactics and lived in officer quarters that have survived to this day.
• George S. Patton — General, Commander of Tank Corps.
  Served at the fort simultaneously with Eisenhower after the First World War. A legendary friendship between the two future commanders was forged at Fort Meade, and it was here that they jointly experimented with the use of armoured vehicles, laying the foundations for modern US military strategy.

Cultural and Scientific Figures

• F. Scott Fitzgerald — Writer, classic of the "Jazz Age".
  In 1917, the author of "The Great Gatsby" was drafted into the army and received the rank of second lieutenant in the infantry. He underwent training at Camp Meade, where, in his free time from duty, he secretly worked on drafts of his debut novel "This Side of Paradise".
• Dashiell Hammett — Writer, master of the detective genre.
  The author of "The Maltese Falcon" served at Camp Meade during the First World War as part of the Motor Ambulance Corps. Here he suffered a severe form of the Spanish flu, which permanently undermined his health but gave him experience that was reflected in his stark literary style.
• William F. Friedman — Cryptologist, pioneer of information security.
  Considered the "father of American cryptology". Although his career began earlier, his legacy is inextricably linked with Fort Meade as the home of the National Security Agency (NSA). His methods and developments formed the basis of the work of the intelligence services based in the city, and his name is immortalised in the NSA Hall of Honor.