Fort Myer, Arlington

Fort Myer is a historic military installation whose origins date to the American Civil War. Fort Whipple was established there in 1863 as part of the defenses protecting the national capital and later became a Signal Corps post. It was renamed Fort Myer in 1881 in honor of Brigadier General Albert J. Myer, who commanded Fort Whipple and served as the Army’s first chief signal officer.

Since 2009, the installation has formed the Myer campus of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, which also includes Henderson Hall and Fort McNair. The post contains historic officers’ quarters, ceremonial grounds, chapels, administrative buildings, and other structures. It is home to the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as The Old Guard, the Army’s official ceremonial unit. Its soldiers conduct military funerals at Arlington National Cemetery, guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and participate in official ceremonies. The installation also hosts The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own,” which supports military ceremonies, state events, and public performances. Fort Myer also played an important role in early military aviation. Orville Wright conducted Army airplane trials there in 1908 and returned for successful demonstrations in 1909, leading to the Army’s purchase of its first military aircraft. Because the site remains an operating military base, public access is controlled.

Visitors without Department of Defense identification must follow security procedures, enter through authorized entrances, and may need to report to the Visitor Control Center with acceptable identification before entering.