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It was 1917 when Camp Sevier was established and constructed on a 1900-acre tract of land off Lee Road at the base of Paris Mountain in a community now known as Piedmont Park.
The camp was named for John Sevier, former Governor of Tennessee, and was used to house and train National Guardsmen from South Carolina, North Carolina and Tennessee. The Guardsmen were trained for service in France and Belgium during World War I. Camp Sevier was one of 16 such camps established across the United States that year. World War I was described at the time as “The War to End All Wars.”
The 30th Infantry Division was formed at Camp Sevier. The division was given the name “Old Hickory” after President Andrew Jackson who had been a friend of John Sevier who distinguished himself fighting the British during the battle of Kings Mountain during the American Revolution.
Local military historian Norris Kinion, with the help of the city of Greenville and Greenville County officials, recently placed a plaque on the grounds of Springwood Cemetery near the Confederate monument commemorating Camp Sevier and “Old Hickory.”
“President Wilson had put in effect a national draft requiring all men age 21 to 31 to register. Physically qualified men of this age group were assigned to augment the National Guard units that had been federalized,” Kinion said during the dedication ceremony.
“Greenville business leaders were instrumental in securing Camp Sevier to be located in Greenville County,” Kinion noted.
“Camp Sevier was built by several local contractors, some of which are still known locally. There are some of the original structures still standing. Homes in the Piedmont Park area are still occupied. One was converted to living quarters for the family of a local boy who is now head of National Intelligence. Some of the original trenches used for training for trench warfare in France and Belgium are still visible,” he recalled.
Kinion said concrete structures where vehicles were fueled and a rock chimney and fireplace near the 59th Brigade headquarters are still standing, as well as some ammunition bunkers.
“Old Hickory” soldiers earned 12 Medals of Honor during World War I duties in Europe. Six of those medals were awarded to soldiers from South Carolina.
In addition to historical information, the dedication plaque contains a statement by Maj. Gen. E. M. Lewis, Commander of the 30th Division, made after the division returned to the US from Europe.
“The Division accomplished every task assigned to it. Not a single failure is recorded against it. Not a scandal occurred to mar the glory of its achievements. Duty to God, to country, and to home, well done is the highest standard humanly attainable. The officers and men of the Thirtieth Division did their duty superbly. Their deeds and the example, which they set, are imperishable. North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee may well be proud of their sons, both the living and the dead.
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