FORT BENNING, Ga., (Feb. 24, 2016) -- Fort Benning's Environmental Management Division is working to rejuvenate the historic Campbell King Horse Show Bowl located north east of the veterinary clinic on historic main post.
The effort to restore the horse bowl began last summer, said Ed Howard, Historic Preservation specialist with the Cultural Resource Management program. "It originated with the previous garrison commander (Col. Gus Huerter) and continues now."
According to the Historic American Buildings Survey a division within the Library of Congress, the King Campbell Horse Show Bowl was constructed in 1930 by members of the 24th Infantry Regiment and was named for the commandant of the post, Brigadier General Campbell King.
A HABS report documents that, "Following World War I, mechanized forms of transportation began to replace the horses and mules, however equestrian skill remained an integral part of Army culture." The report goes on to say that equestrian skills were still being taught as part of the basic course in 1922.
Horseback riding, polo, fox hunts and horse shows were all part of a peacetime Army lifestyle here at Fort Benning. Horse shows, in particular, were quite popular on post.
"These shows were competitions of horsemanship among other things, and were very popular in the 1930's," said Howard.
Prior to the construction of the bowl, shows were held at Doughboy Stadium. In 1929, then New York governor, Franklin D. Roosevelt attended a horse show at Doughboy while visiting the post.
The popularity of the shows prompted the construction of the horse bowl, and in 1930 it hosted the 8th annual Infantry School Horse Show. The shows continued until 1947, "when the Army auctioned off all remaining horses and mules" said Howard.
Following the sell-off of the horses, the structure became less popular. The bowl mostly fell into disuse, which led to the decline of the horse bowl.
"Of course, it does not take long for nature to take over, so it became overgrown," said Howard.
Despite the state of the historic horse bowl, it had surges of popularity.
This latest re-birth of the horse bowl may be enough to keep it a mainstay of historic Main Post.
"When we began, the center was somewhat clear, but the terraced sides, which are retained by the stone walls, were totally overgrown," said Howard. "The stone walls are cleared now and we are working with a professional landscape architect to make it more appealing and useful. Above all, the original historic walls will be retained."
Howard stressed that use will drive the long-term upkeep and preservation of the almost 90-year-old structure.
"Success will be measured in how much the units and individuals use the bowl. If they don't use it, there will be no justification to give it upkeep," he said.
As far as uses go, Howard said "they envision it being used for physical training or unit activities, due to its proximity to nature and the running trail network would make it a good trailhead. Soldier input would help."
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