Welcome back to National Parks and other public lands with T!

The Women’s Army Corp was formed during World War II. Women were given stateside non-combatant positions so that the men who would normally do those jobs could be sent into combat.

WAC soldiers were first assigned to Fort Hancock in New Jersey in 1943 and were originally destined for clerical positions. The women proved so invaluable to the war efforts that their roles expanded to the motor pool, commissary, finance office, etc…

The WACs were assigned to building #25. Known as the WAC Mansion, the building was 17,000 square feet and luxurious by army standards.

Today the Women’s Barracks is in need of repair, but fared better than some of its neighbors did during Hurricane Sandy. The National Park Service has offered many of the fort’s buildings for lease. Lessees will be responsible for restoration and maintenance while preserving the historic integrity of the site. When I visited, there was an ‘under contract’ sign posted here, so hopefully it will soon receive some much-needed TLC.

Sandy Hook Posts➤

• Sandy Hook
• Grand Re-opening
• Sandy Hook Light
• Fort Hancock
• Women’s Barracks

Location: 128 South Hartshorne Drive, Highlands, New Jersey
Designation: National Recreation Area
Date designated/established: October 27, 1972
Date of my visit: September 30, 2018