ATLANTA — Tyler Perry and megachurch leader Bishop T.D. Jakes got the approval to purchase a total of 132 acres at Fort McPherson . Perry will acquire 37 acres adjacent to Tyler Perry Studios, adding to the more than 330 acres he purchased in 2015.
Was Fort McPherson a Confederate base?
He explained that the land in southwest Atlanta, known as Fort McPherson, was once a Confederate army base during the Civil War . The war, which was fought from 1861 to 1865 between the Union and Confederacy states, primarily began over the disagreement of the institution of slavery.
Who was Fort McPherson named?
The history of Fort McPherson dates back to 1885, when the U.S. Army acquired land some four miles south of downtown Atlanta. The installation was named in honor of Union major general James McPherson , who was killed in action during the Battle of Atlanta on July 22, 1864, during the Civil War (1861-65).
Is Fort McPherson an active military base?
With only 102 Family quarters and 272 single Soldier billets at Fort McPherson and 10 Family quarters at Fort Gillem, active duty military and DA Civilian employees live predominantly in surrounding Clayton, Fayette, Gwinnett, Henry and DeKalb counties.
How did Fort McPherson contribute to the war effort?
During the Spanish-American War, Fort McPherson served as a general hospital and as a recruit training center for nearly 20,000 men. ... During World War I, Fort McPherson was selected to be an internment camp for German prisoners of war , a base hospital, General Hospital No. 6, and the site of an officers' training camp.
What is the largest military base in Georgia?
Covering 280,000 acres about 40 miles from Savannah, Fort Stewart is the largest military facility in the Eastern United States.
How much did Tyler Perry pay for Fort McPherson?
Tyler Perry and TD Jakes pay a combined $37.5M for Fort McPherson land. T.D. Jakes' real estate company paid $29 million for his piece of the Fort McPherson redevelopment, potentially building a transit-oriented development filled with affordable housing.
Is Fort McPherson still active?
Fort McPherson is now closed , and Fort Gillem has been reduced to the Gillem Enclave partnership with Fort Gordon, both due to the 2005 BRAC commission.
What is the White House in Fort McPherson?
The site for Georgia's Democratic presidential debate, Tyler Perry Studios , is located southwest of downtown Atlanta on the site of the former Fort McPherson army facility.
When did Tyler Perry purchase Fort McPherson?
Perry acquired 330 acres of the property in 2015 for $30 million. Since then, he's built 12 sound stages and located the headquarters of Tyler Perry Studios in the Dream building.
What is the name of the military base in Georgia?
Fort Benning is located in an area commonly known as the “Tri-Community”, comprised of Columbus, Fort Benning, Georgia, and Phenix City, Alabama. Columbus, known as Georgia's third-largest city, is a growing community of 250,000.
Can you visit Fort McPherson?
Drivers can access Fort McPherson year-round on the Dempster Highway , with the exception of spring break-up and fall freeze-up. There is also a small airport with seasonal flights to Inuvik when the Peel River is closed.
What was Fort McPherson used for?
As a military installation, Fort McPherson provided a secure environment to house prisoners of war . A small number of Spaniards were housed there during the Spanish-American War. During World War I, 1,300 German soldiers and merchant sailors were held at Fort McPherson.
What military bases are in Savannah Georgia?
Fort Stewart is the largest Army installation east of the Mississippi River. It covers 280,000 acres. It's approximately 41 miles southwest of the city of Savannah.
Did Tyler Perry buy a military base?
A Fort Mac spokesperson said there will be plenty of employment opportunities for job seekers. In 2015, Tyler Perry bought more than 330 acres on the former army base . The purchase made Tyler Perry Studios one of the largest movie production facilities in the country. “Today is a good day.
Is Fort Gillem closed?
Its life was limited though. In 2005, it was set up for closure. Only the president or the congress may change this decision. These days, the base is not closed, but inactive .
