Reception Center 1772

During World War II, from March 1941 until July 1943, more than 125,000 troops were processed through Reception Center 1772 at Jefferson Barracks.  The Center operated 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.  Forty officers and 311 enlisted men were assigned to staff this area.  Their basic mission was to receive men from regional Selective Service Centers, process them, and equip them for transfer to a Training Center or a unit of Field Forces for basic training.

After the War ended and Jefferson Barracks Military Post was decommissioned, some of the land became a park in the St. Louis County Park system.  The Reception Center buildings were dismantled and the area became an undeveloped section of Jefferson Barracks County Park.  Eventually all that remained of the buildings was covered by trees, bushes, and weeds.

The River Ring, a comprehensive interconnected system of greenways, parks, and trails developed by the Great Rivers Greenway District is coming to Jefferson Barracks County Park.  Efforts have begun by St. Louis County Parks Personnel and Trail Crew Volunteers to clear the foliage from the Reception Center area to expose some of the foundations where the new trail will come through.  If you are interested in helping with this project call (314) 615-8865.  Parks staff and volunteers will partner on this and other projects such as gardening, landscaping, trail building and maintenance, and honeysuckle removal.

The map below shows the area of Reception Center 1772, north and east of the Old Ordnance Room.

 Eagle Scout pictures courtesy J. Lorenz.

September 20, 2008 - Volunteers from Hospitality Helping Hands and the County Parks Trail Crew clear brush to expose building foundations.

November 15, 2008 - Volunteers from Boy Scout Troop 662 of Oakville, MO help clear the area as part of an Eagle Scout project.  Thanks, boys!

All Brandon Tuthill pictures are courtesy of J. & B. Lorenz.