Fort Ritchie, A personal up-close tour..

After 40 years, I returned to Fort Ritchie Maryland. Once, a beautiful thriving, dynamic part of the U.S. Army until it closed in 1998. Here is the present condition of our beloved historic Military Post up-close.

[@t24hy44]

A businessman citizen of Montgomery County, MD, a Mr. John Krumpotich, has purchased Fort Ritchie for a mere $1.85 million. Mr. Krumpotich seems very interested and determined to keep Fort Ritchie intact for a worthy purpose; I pray that he will be able to follow through and will never have to relinquish this historically priceless property to some commonplace purpose. Thank you, Mr. Krumpotich!

[@lawrencehubbard2985]

All it would take is someone with money to start turning the buildings into private use ie vacation homes retirement homes. The local state and federal government could help provide funding and turn it into a park with private housing and dining.

[@aleksanderkopeikin7208]

Расходимся парни, там нечего бомбить

[@anthonydraughn9583]

Fort Ritchie was my first assignment Feb 81 until Jun 82 and I always go back to the fond memories I have of that mountain top I had hopped to retire there; however went I did retire in 2008 it was gone......thank you for sharing the video it brought tears to my eyes as I reflected on such a lovely place and my introduction to the Army.....Long live Fort Ritchie!!!!!

[@jeffreyplant2137]

Thanks for the tour. I was stationed there from March 92 until May 94. Lots of memories at this place. I worked in Site R in the command center and I never would have imagined they would close a based that is so historic and supported the NMCC. Such a sad sight now.

[@raymondmillaway998]

Thanks for a great video, and the music was very fitting for the condition the Post is in right now. I served there in the early 80s as Detachment Commander of the Fort Ritchie Contingency Communications Team (CCT); a sub-unit of the White House Communications Agency. Our Detachment was in Building 327, and several members of our Team lived in Fort Ritchie Quarters. I lived in the BOQ until I eventually moved to a home in Hagerstown. Great memories of a very historic Post supporting various National Missions.

[@ReedWaters]

For about 15 years from the mid-sixties, my father held a fairly high civilian job. It was when I was about 13 to 18. We spent a lot of time on that absolutely gorgeous piece of mountain. There was a lot of fun at the O-club beach swimming in the lake in the summer. The bowling alley, the ball fields, it was a fun place to be. At the time, during the cold war, all of those finger buildings were empty but ready to go. There were desks with typewriters, paper, phones, pens, and pencils, waiting for someone to move in and go to work. I just pray that they preserve the buildings along Barrick Ave.

[@lannaquinn209]

My kids' dad was stationed on Ft. Ritchie and of course I was there with him along with our oldest. Very fond memories of the base and so sad that Pen Mar Corp has allowed the base to be in the state it is. They promised to keep all the stone buildings in tact and first thing they demolish the MP station. Drew, what you call Gate 3 is not gate 3, it is Gate 2. My hubby was the only one during his time on Ft. Ritchie, to open it for a possible medical emergency. Gate 3 was farther up the road and led to the other side of the lakes, ACoE, housing, etc.

[@daveaube]

I was a draftee sent there in 71 as an E-1 signal corps. best duty that I could have hoped for.

[@MCP-km6im]

I live across the street from Fort Ritchie. Many years ago, the state owned the base and created real estate company (PenMar) to sell the base. It sold once, but was bought back by the state after a failed development plan. Years later, the state transferred the base to Washington County (Maryland) government. In 2016, I started the Save Fort Ritchie project. The county hired a South Korean business (JGBLI) to be the sales broker. At the same time, they began forcing hundreds of residents out of their homes on the base (the rear housing units were still being rented until 2017 when the last residents were forced out. The county gave (illegally) JGBLI over 60 acres of the land to use and develop as they see fit. JGBLI recently sought, and obtained, a county zoning variance to build a cluster of homes on their part of the property. So far, they have had no success in finding any major investors or buyers for the remainder of the property. We (Save Fort Ritchie project) created petitions, held protests, attended county commission meetings, appeared on numerous news broadcasts, in newspapers and had a strong online presence to oppose the over-development plan that has been taking place. We pushed to make portions of the base historical so that at least part of it is saved. The community center is still active year-round, and public fishing is allowed (catch and release only) in both ponds. Several private and sporting events are still held at Fort Ritchie every year, but I sense that will soon end. As shown in the video, there is a crime presence in the old fort ... vadalism, theft, drug use, illegal fishing, illegal off-road vehicle use, etc. A few weeks ago, a man was killed while illegally riding an ATV in the fort. The county sheriff's office and DNR patrol there as much as their resources allow. It's sad to see the demise of what was once an amazing place, and certainly a great part of American military history. All the state and the county had to do from the beginning was maintain the houses and buildings, but they chose money over common sense.

[@charleyanne]

Wasn't there an effort to save it before this? I remember my Dad talking about this but it had to be earlier than '16. Maybe it was closer to when they decommissioned it..?

[@5.56Media]

@@charleyanne Yes ... sort of. Along with what @MCP2461 said, there was a civil lawsuit filed against the state and its statutory real estate organization (PenMar) during the first private sale. The private buyer at the time eventually sold the property back to the state. PenMar and the Maryland statute creating it was dissolved after the transfer of the property from the state to the county. It is now being purchased by a local businessman to build a mixed-use residential and commercial property on the remaining 500+ acres.

[@charleyanne]

@@5.56Media I did know about PenMar & the mess surrounding that. It's a shame they didn't keep up with the updates on the housing before it was decommissioned because all of the housing could have been used after it closed instead of just part of it. I know they did a lot of updates before I left but that was early 80's,.

[@5.56Media]

@@charleyanne Yep. The state and county should have maintained the existing houses and buildings over time. That would have increased the overall property value as well as saving the history of Fort Ritchie. All of us around the old fort want something good to come of it. So far, it hasn't been promising. Infrastructure needs to be upgraded, not to mention public safety issues that will come with a mixed-use development.

[@leroyworthy6825]

I was there from March 92 until I retired in March 97. We lived in quarters on Reckord Ave, they demolished all housing on that section of the post. Fort Ritchie was a great assignment.

[@kgloverfl]

I lived on Mountain Rd when you were there. I was there from Jan 94 - Jan 97. Worked at the Satcom site at the top of High Rock.

[@edkennedy60]

Thanks for the tour Drew, sad indeed to see the shape it is in. During my High School Years I worked for several contractors on base; KP at the Mess Hall, cleaned the finger buildings and buffed that corridor many times that connected them, also bagged groceries at the commissary. We have the memories!

[@debnava2965]

Thanks for posting, Drew! I was an MP @ Ritchie, '78-'80. I have many fond memories of "Fort Duck" & Site R. I was gate guard many cold nights at the front gates of Ritchie & Site R. Sad this historic base has fallen by the wayside. The stone buildings are treasures. Thanks again...

[@skipleonard4168]

I also was a military policeman there from 1978 to 79 oh, I remember very cold nights and a lot of snow from January to March. I was lucky to have two great Duty stations the Panama Canal and then to Fort Ritchie being from Maryland I could get home in 2 hours. Just awesome memories

[@gordonames1892]

I WAS THERE THE SAME TIME. WORKED AT SITE R.

[@HD-J.R.]

Thanks! I first saw this fort around 1982. It was old, historic and it was beautiful! I saw it yesterday in 9/19, first time since 82 and was saddened to see it. Shame. Waste. To see such craftsmanship left to decay is a crime on so many levels. Thank you for sharing the video and memories. Thank you for your service!

[@sallybeckendorf5696]

I was stationed at Fort Ridgeview from 69 to 71. I was assigned to strategic communications to man. I worked out at Cesar during the day. And was supposed projectionist at night. So sad to see what has happened to such a beautiful site. Jim Beckendorf

[@peggyheiston2500]

I just took this same walk on Sunday, June 17th, 2018 and took pictures of the sad conditions. I grew up on this mountain, outside the gates. I spent plenty of time inside those gates with friends and schoolmates though. Seriously sad that it has been let go to this point.

[@32ghostworld]

Is it open to walk around?

[@scottwright388]

@@32ghostworld yes, you can drive it or walk.

[@kskilove]

Wow... Memories flashed quickly. I will never forget my experience in God's country. It is sad what Ritchie has become.

[@davidclaycomb5496]

Sad to see. I worked the desk, medical records at the health clinic from august ‘75 to late October ‘78. If u came to the clinic during that time, it was me that greeted you, asking for your last 4, so I could pull your health records. Absolutely loved working there. Loved the area. Went back around 2000, and couldn’t believe they tore down the health clinic, next door to the dental clinic. Some great memories.

[@rmvall]

I was stationed there 1963 to 1966. When I heard they were going to decommission Fort Ritchie I felt they took a part of me. I always said that whole place was a best kept golf course. I did go and visit a few years ago and was heart broken and sad to see it's condition. My father was also there during the second world war for intelligence school I think it was. I met a lot of good townspeople and people on post, spent many nights at Zooks roller skating in Waynesboro. It was good duty and we were always treated with respect on post and out at the site. I will always have the good memories. Mike Valliere

[@billstanley8752]

Closing Ft. Ritchie was part of the largely successful effort to move military assets to the Confederacy (oh yeah? Look where BRAC closed most of the bases and left others open). Dad was a civilian fireman working for DoD there or at Site R for all of my youth. I spent a year on base when two of the "temporary" barracks were converted to classrooms for the nearby overstuffed Cascade Elementary School. "Temporary" because the building number started with "T" - a legacy of WW II. They were in the now-open field behind the Finger Buildings, finally torn in the late '90s. Ft. Ritchie didn't have to arrive at its current state. Failed deals and wishful thinking and senseless lawsuits got it where it is today, 20-odd years after it was BRACed. NOTES: the building identified by Mr. Losch as a maintenance facility was the fire station, upgraded just a few years before closure. The Officer's Club looks so good because it's been in more or less constant use as an event space; my daughter was married there.

[@Golin73]

I was stationed there from '96 to basically it's closing, so I unfortunately witnessed it's last days...From what we were told, most of the property was sold to the Freemasons to setup some sort of school, but when happened to visit a few years ago (before your video probably), nothing seemed to happen with that. There is a lot of history with this base, from it's days as an ice farm, to WWI training, the Windtalkers in WWII being trained there, as well as of course support of Site R and Camp David nearby. The 9/11 flight that was purposefully driven into the ground occurred nearby (hence why some think they were trying to hit Camp David). It was a nice base to be stationed at...much better than many others (some called it the jewel of the Army at the time...hard to find, but worth the effort). One thing you didn't show that I was able to get to was the PX and Commissary. Both had been heavily vandalized.

[@jhiharris2630]

It really was a great base especially for the kids like me. 2 lakes, fishing, paddle boating, a swimming pool, woods to play around in...miss that place.

[@charleyanne]

Thank you for recording this @drew losch. Reading through all thes stories, memories! I was born in Waynesboro, my Dad was stationed here from '68-'73 (I was born in that time frame), we moved to Germany & when we came back he was again stationed here. '77-82 when he retired. We lived in the middle of Mountain Rd the 1st time & on top the 2nd time. My Dad worked in Site R the 1st time & in one of the buildings on base & Site R the 2nd time. I remember the long walks along the creek parallel to Ritchie Rd, out past the area where the skeet shootings were (I can't remember the name of the club off hand). Climbing the mountain where the satellites were. The tennis bubble near the ball fields that was built, someone sliced it one time, they got in a lot of trouble. I was a cheerleader for the base football team (Mountaineers), when the weather was bad we would practice in the tennis bubble. Swimming in the pool & lake, ice skating on the lake. The Baltimore Boys Club that would come for the summer months, they stayed by the lower lake & pool. I remember the fitness/obstacle course around the lower lake, when we would have to get out of the pool every hour for 10 minutes or whatever we would run the course. Basketball cheerleading in the gym for games, fellow cheerleader Anita breaking her leg because Marnie ran into her while she was doing a back handspring. The movie theater, Friday the 13th movies, walking home after seeing them, we would all try to scare each other. As someone else mentioned, sledding in the wintertime & in the summer we'd still sled but on cardboard boxes from people that just moved in. I've been back several times, when you could still drive up Mountain Rd, we saw deer in the housing, then they put up road blocks, tore out the roads & housing to that part of the base. The other side was still being used for families of soldiers that were deployed. It's probably been 8 years or so since the last time I was there. I took my husband a couple of times. Also drove him to the gate of Site R, he was freaking out. I would never have gone any further but he was freaking out just being that close. I spent most of my childhood on this base & feel like everyone else, it's a shame that such a beautiful place was left to rot. They promised not to tear down the original stone buildings but what good does it do if they aren't taken care of. I have the "Castle" (hq building) tattooed on me out of memory of my childhood. I just wish I could've stayed in touch with friends from there & school in Smithsburg. Thank you again Drew!

[@BearcatBrooks11]

Served there Mar. 1979 to Aug. 1980 with the 572nd MP Co. Nothing but beautiful memories. I boxed. and played basketball, representing Ft. Ritchie. Harold (Brooks) Cartwright

[@juanesteban8827]

For anyone that is interested, Fort Ritchie is now for sale! Contact the Washington county commissioners, come up with around $6,000,000(US), work out a few details, and it's yours!

[@edwarddonohue8522]

@Jeffrey Gareau I believe that only a few weeks ago the County got a proposal to buy most of the property (that the Koreans do not own) for 1.7 million dollars. Far cry from the $6,000,000.00 mentioned above. I knew the Fort well from 1978 to closing and in fact assisted in obtaining a famous Ritchie Boy to give the Farewell Address at the Closing Ceremony.

[@kimwallace1290]

Thank you for sharing. I met my husband there and was married in that little chapel 41 years ago. So many memories there.

[@sage598]

My parents were married there too!

[@Mr2ndkings]

I was stationed at Ritchie my last nine months of active duty ending in June 1966. At the time, the post was mainly Signal Corp and provided the manpower for Site R. Strangely, I don't ever remember the mountain being referred to as Site R or Raven Rock; we just said we were going into the mountain. I was the only AI trained soldier on the post after my AI major was reassigned. He was replaced by the post MP commander who immediately informed me that I would be designing and giving command wide security orientations. Hundreds, maybe thousands of personnel came to those lectures. Because some personnel worked different shifts, I had to go into barracks and qualify some who were not able to attend in the auditorium. My job also included being a documents custodian. Back in those days, serious violation of the Military Code of Conduct would be an automatic loss of security clearance and possible discharge. The post also housed the archives for the Eisenhower Papers and I witnessed David and Mamie Eisenhower spending time there. Off duty was mainly spent in Waynesboro or Hagerstown, the latter being a college town with plenty of girls.

[@JimsEquipmentShed]

I was stationed there in 1984, I was a photographer, and then moved into AV, I think my former civilian boss Ted Rogers still lives in the area. It’s sad to see that base in the condition that it’s in.

[@danweick3317]

I was stationed there 1986-88 as military police with the 572nd. I remember the fort well raising and lowering flag details directing main gate and gate 3 duties. Taking home drunk officers and yes even enlisted from the clubs. I even drove the mp bus to site r. we lived up on the hill for a short time before moving to Smithsburg because my wife got a job at Smithsburg market. kind of miss chocolate park and having pizza with the family at rockys pizza. was the skeet range still there?

[@johnberard9820]

Enjoyed your video...I was there from May 1965 until September 1966. Worked at Site R "the Hidden Pentagon " in the Communications Center. Ft Ritchie was beautiful but cold in winter. Met many good friends there. We stayed in Operations Barracks across from the MP Barracks. So sad to see all those buildings gone. I still miss the old place and all the wonderful people there. John Berard from New Iberia, Louisiana

[@joyceforbes9019]

Pookie was there 1966 1967 as an MP. Beautiful place, great duty. Fantastic site. Actually enjoyed duty there. Discahrged from there after three years active duty.

[@myronhansen5175]

Last night, Sunday, 3 July 2022 I watched a CBS NEWS production of 60 Minutes on the Ritchie Boys. Fascinating Show on who was trained here to greatly help defeat Hitler during World War II. 😮‍💨

[@josephastramskas6882]

Enjoyed the tour. As you did, I went back for a visit in 2008 and was disappointed to see how the buildings had been left to deteriorate. Was stationed here 1962-1963 and worked at Site R as a cryptographic technician. Coming from the 8th Division in Germany this was a most welcome and enjoyable assignment. Could not believe the first day when I walked into the mess hall and saw all the WAC's as back then women in the Army were much more rare than today. I even enjoyed the shift work at Site R especially the night shift. Get to the site and after checking in go down to the mess and have a breakfast meal then go back upstairs and check out the equipment. Our gear (KW-9s) were just there as backup to the KW-26s so there was not much "work" to do. Spent a lot of time in the break room which had a TV and learned to play chess. Thanks for taking the time to post your video.

[@t24hy44]

I was stationed here from '77-'80 and '82-'85. I loved this place; it was my first and third duty stations. I am remembering that our U.S. Army Communications Command commander during that time was MG Gerd Grombacher (bless his memory). He and many other young men, including many of his fellow German Jewish immigrants, had volunteered during WWII for counter-espionage training at what was then Camp Ritchie, to then return to Germany to work for the U.S. military; as they were Jewish, they were taking a very serious chance of being recaptured and sent to the concentration camps, where many of their families and friends had already been murdered. These young men were dubbed "The Ritchie Boys." Most of them are gone now, but they did manage to hold a reunion at Fort Ritchie several years ago. Bless their memories, one and all.

[@kurts7913]

Toward the end of my time in the military, I was assigned as a Trick Chief under ground in what is now called Raven Rock. I was with STRATCOM with a top secret Crypto clearance. I started out assigned to the Comm Center on post but gladly sent to the underground facility. I enjoyed just driving out the gate and eating at the Blue Ridge....across from the gate. I was always impressed with the underground facility and the need for a bus ride in the tunnel. Security was very tight. As I said...I enjoyed my time there before ETS in Sept. 1975.

[@emmafleming3051]

I lived here when I was 4-10 and i went back in like June 2019 of last year and it’s crazy because when I was growing up there it was flourishing and people were living there and it was great but now it’s overgrown and the houses I grew up in were vandalized. I am 16 now and I never really knew much about it but I remember it was so scary because the houses were haunted. I remember one time I had “slept walked” downstairs and at the time i thought I was sleep walking but what was weird was that I was awake and I could see what was happening and I walked downstairs and into the kitchen and I “woke up” and out of the corner of my eye I saw a black shadow go by and I ran upstairs but it was like someone was controlling my body. Another time I was sitting in my living room and the house started to shake like an earthquake and a picture of me fell and the glass shattered and later that day my mom was talking to the neighbors and she said “did you feel that earthquake earlier” and they said there was no earthquake and this had happened before I slept walked. At the other house I lived in my mom always kept the bathroom light of for me and my brother and I remember one night I was wearing a long shirt for pjs and I started to hear heavy footsteps like someone was in boots and it started up the steps and they were really heavy steps and it got up to the landing and started again and I remember it getting really loud like outside of my room and then I see someone step in front of the bathroom door (my door was exactly in front of the bathroom door) and it was a man dressed in military uniform and they had on a round like helmet and they started walking towards me but i didn’t hear any footsteps and they pulled my blanket off of me and like tugged down on my shirt while hovering over me and put my blanket back on me and walked out but I couldn’t hear the footsteps until I couldn’t see him anymore. But what was weird was that they were all black and usually if someone is standing in front of light you can see some of the color of the clothes or something but they were just all black, no face or anything. It was so scary. At the same house I was laying on the couch with my head on the arm rest and I felt a tug on my hair and it wasn’t a hard tug or a light tug. I don’t know it was all really weird

[@gordonames1892]

I was Air Force stationed there from 1977 to early 1979. Lived in the joint service barracks. Learned later that Fort Ritchie during World War II was one of the training centers for the OSS and Army Commandos.

[@G33kSpace]

Thanks so much for the tour. I just moved to the area and wondered what all of this used to be.

[@climatedeceptionnetwork4122]

I really loved this place as a low-key duty station as well as its delightful buildings and surroundings. I arrived at Fort Ritchie on Oct. 66 after a year in VN, Alpha Company, 1st. Battalion, 173rd ABN Inf. I was a "clerk," but served as a rifleman half of my VN tour. Stepping off that Green Army bus in front of the fort's gates came as a shock, and then culture shock hit me as I walked into that beautiful fort. I spent the next 18 months with Operations Company with the best CO possible. I forgot his name, but will return with it one day when I remember. The food was good and I mean it. I felt like I hit the jackpot! What a great place and wonderful tour of duty. I met my wife in Frederick, we married and remain so after 52 years. My life went from a rifleman in War Zone D, among other places, to a clerk in Operations Company. I had friends among my roommates and everyone seemed pleased with their place in the Army, given the other possibilities in those early days of the VN war. I remain nostalgic for those days at Fort Ritchie and will visit soon for a trip similar to that shared here. I thank the producer for his efforts and fine video. I was blessed to serve at Fort Ritchie. Ed Evans, Fort Ritchie, Oct. 66 to April 17, 1968.

[@sallycripe2697]

Thank you, Drew, for this. I was an MP stationed her April '87-March '92. They had just refurbished the Community Center (bowling alley) and built a new commissary and px. My husband and I lived in Waynesboro until '95. It is sad to see the spot where the Gate Shack was in the pavement. And the demolished PMO. I was trying to remember where the barracks were, but I think ours was just down from the Mess Hall. Many a Guard Mount happened there. Too bad they now have to come all the way from Frederick for Site R.

[@jewelbennett5446]

Thank you too bad it was never put to use. I salute each and everyone of you.

[@MusicalJeanAz]

I was stationed there 1968-1970. I met my husband there. Our first date was at the chapel. That Sunday part of President Nixon's cabinet was there. I lived in the WAC barracks that was more modern looking and also lived in the old WW2 barracks later. We visited there in 2013. My husband lived in the Operational Barracks which is no longer there. So many memories playing golf and swimming and ice skating on the lake. Thanks for the video.

[@silverlock05]

My father was a captain there in 1968. Captain Robert Adamson . I was born in Hagerstown and spent my first 6 months of life at Ft. Ritchie.

[@BryonLape]

My dad was the Facility's Engineer from '81-'83. I've been meaning to visit again for years, but still haven't done it. Thanks for sharing your video.

[@tkirkpat1]

Thanks, Sgt. Losch. Very good job.

[@MsMizzc]

Dad was stationed here at this beautiful installation from 75 to 77. My brother and I attended Smithsburg High School. I don't remember the street name we lived on but it was up a large hill. We lived in the building facing you right as you reached to top of that hill. I hate to see it in this condition. It's a shame the grounds aren"t utilized for community use. It was truly beautiful in it's day. :(

[@charleyanne]

If it was straight up from the commissary it was Mountain Rd. That's one of the only road names I do remember, because I always had to write my address on things. We lived by the bus stop on the top road.

[@sillyone52062]

I was never stationed at Fort Ritchie, but my red Reserve ID card allowed me to use the commissary, which was brand new in 1992. It is, to date, the prettiest Army post I have ever seen. Fort Devens was nice, too.

[@ssjones350]

Thanks for sharing this video. I grew up nearby, and we were at Ft. Ritchie quite a bit. My father was a retired SGM, and stationed there in the late 40.s. He settled nearby and after he retired, he continued to use the commissary, etc, medical offices, etc. We also had many meals in the Mess Hall, he always throught it was important to eat with the troops,even after he retired. I drive by occasionally, but can't bring myself to go inside. We had many a fun summer swimming in the lake (1970's, before the swimming pool was built). It's sad to see it in the current state of decay. Locally, they tried to make it a viable commercial enterprise, but so far, nothing has worked.

[@mikefitchNYC1971]

So sad. Loved that place.

[@stevedandy973]

I was stationed at Ft. Ritchie from '77 - '82. It really saddens me to see how a once lively community is now a virtual "ghost town."

[@drewlosch]

I remember you Steve. I worked in Finance with Buker, Buzz Sawer, Fran Bensinger etc...

[@charleyanne]

@@drewlosch do you remember Charles Nutt? Since we were there during the same time frame.

[@johnfroude4507]

I was an MP there from early 1979 to Dec 1981. I was hoping to see the MP barracks that were right across the street from the Mess Hall. I remember doing security checks of the finger buildings. I was on the Main Gate directing traffic many times. Did many retirement parades on the parade field. When assigned, lowered the flag at 1700. And of course, Site R. I left there as Desk Sergeant and went to CID school in January 1982.

[@charleyanne]

My Dad retired there (so I'm sure you did his retirement) & we can't find any pics of him in uniform, he passed away & we never thought to ask where the pics were until after he was gone. So bummed.

[@vincethompson3475]

Thanks!

[@juliebates6857]

In 1966, my father, John (Jack) Charles Pettee, returned from Viet Nam and he was then stationed at Ft. Ritchie. I went to school in Cascade first through 3rd grade. Dad worked "inside the mountain" and one Thanksgiving Mom, my sister, and I were taken in by bus. I have very vivid memories of it. Dad was enlisted so we lived on one side of the lake, first on the one-way street and then on the two-way street. I remember riding the bus home from school, everyone looking for the red flag or sign that let us know if it was safe to ice skate on the lake. One afternoon, I missed my bus and was put on the bus that took all the officers' children home. I knew I was never to get off the bus except at my bus drop off, so I stayed on the bus. The driver took me to the Commander's home. My Dad still chuckled when he told the story years later, although at the time, he remembered all he could think about was, "WTH did Julie do?" Dad stopped by to see the place right at the time it was closing. The MP did let him come inside the gates and look just a bit, but not too far. He had tears in his eyes as he told me what had become of her. It made me tear as well. At that time, he had been told that it was being considered as housing for Homeless Vets. It seems that never happened, but I think it would be a grand place to help house those who have served. She deserves to live on in glory.

[@meggieturi]

We lived there at about the same time. Our house was next to the bowling alley...the old Officer’s Club. Dad was with Detachment 8 under the mountain. Colonel Wallace.

[@silverlock05]

My father also came back from Vietnam and was assigned to Fort Ritchie in 1967-1968. He was a Captain and I think he ran the motor pool. He told me about “the mountain” I spent my first 6 months of life there.

[@nancybert5149]

We lived nearby from 1960 until it closed, but were a military family and used many of the post facilities including the PX, the Commissary, and Dispensary. It seems such a waste.

[@radog1028]

Thanks for sharing. I always wanted to go back to ray barracks in Germany. It’s sad to see a place you spent a few years at become a ghost town 😢

[@PoetGorman]

Thank you for this detailed, sad tour. My father was Provost Marshall there in the early sixties. I remember mass every Sunday at the chapel with Father Mahoney. I was an altar boy, and we were bussed to Mother Seton School every school day. I remember summers fishing for rainbow trout and swimming at the lake by the Officer's Club and ice skating on the lake in the winter. That lake is where I learned to do both. I gained my love of movies at the movie theater there, and my love of the forest in the surrounding forests. I remember catching tadpoles and raising them to froghood and releasing them. I remember the magic of the fireflies, and the hill girl my older brother dated. I remember clamp on skates and the entire towns we would draw with chalk on the smooth surface of Cotoctan Circle. I remeber sledding in the winter and sliding down the grassy slopes on cardboard in the summer. I learned to recognize edible mushrooms in the woods behind our house, where I would spend countless hours with my collie Amber, my best friend. I remember walking on the golf course in the evening in my brother's Beatle Boots that were a couple inches too large for me, and the Easter Egg Hunts in the patch of trees next to the course. I began to find myself as an individual at Fort Ritchie, and I will always love it.

[@larryharlow3434]

I was stationed there from 1966-1967 and worked for your father. He was a great commander. Loved the post and have very fond memories. My wife and I lived outside the gate, right behind chocolate park. Our oldest daughter was born in Waynesboro.

[@jefflavere8213]

Why was it abandoned

[@drewlosch]

Our infamous POTUS Bill Clinton signed off to close many Army facilities...Fort Ritchie was one of them.

[@32ghostworld]

I walked around the base and went inside a lot of the base housing. Creepy. Stuff left behind in the homes.

[@dianemountz7792]

I worked in Finance from 1980 - 1985.

[@drewlosch]

Hi Diane, Were you in Military Pay? I was in Fin Svcs with Frank Boss, Sharon Silvers and Fran Bensinger among others.

[@dianemountz7792]

@@drewlosch I was friends with Sue Boss. I worked upstairs in Commercial Accounts.

[@dianemountz7792]

It certainly is a small world!!!

[@thomasdorworth9890]

Served at the then beautiful Fort Ritchie and Site R in 1960-61. Sad to see what has happened to it.

[@garyhamiltoniii4975]

I was in prison in Hagerstown MD and I was stationed to work there in 2015 along with 4 others. It's a shame how they have let it go! I would cut grass for 8 hours a day for 5 days then repeat following week! Worked under a great man named Mose. He taught me alot on the history of the place. On top of the hill is a middle command relay for NORAD and warns of incoming international Continental ballistic missiles. It's a really fascinating place!

[@juanesteban8827]

What's sad is the current state of housing on active bases. I have friends & guys I served with in the Marine Corps whose children are sick from the mold, and rodents are everywhere. This is at multiple bases and it's not just the Corps. I didn't do much- I'm certainly not a hero- but go to any military base or VA hospital and you're sure to find some. We owe our men & women more. It's hard to get excited about parades when you're waiting 6-8 months for an appointment at the VA, or you're having to sell your medication to live because you're too sick to work but not sick enough for decent benefits!

[@brianboggs7455]

I served at Fort Ritchie from 1987 to 1989. I was on a two year enlistment, so for me, Fort Ritchie was the US Army. I can not adequately express how sad it makes me to see the current state of my former home.

[@thadbaldwin7237]

I was also there in 78-79. 572nd M.P. Co. Probably waived you into the main gate a few times. I stopped back a few years ago and your video is exactly what I saw except the P.M.O. was still standing...barely. The officers housing was low income housing and trashed. The generals house had most of the windows broken out and most of the enlisted barracks were gone. Broke my heart

[@drewlosch]

Thanks for commenting Thad! Yes, you probably did waive me in the gate. I lived in the HQ-SVC barracks across from you guys. I was the only guy on Fort Ritchie who drove a black 1953 Chevy in those days....if you remember that car, you have an amazing memory! BTW, I'll be going back soon to donate some items to the growing Ft. Ritchie Historical Museum that's now underway if you didn't know....check it out!

[@sacthel-pt1fc]

Was there 32 months mp

[@ByGraceIGo]

I was just there yesterday for the first time. I mean I had driven by it many times but the gate was open this time so I decided to go in with my friend. It would be nice if the lettering on your video was bigger and a different color so it could be easier to read. The building that had the open door and the curved ceiling looks like a building I saw in a photo, they used to have these makeshift classrooms there during the military intelligence training . From what I've read, Lakeside Hall was where the Officers Club was and maybe that other place was the Enlisted Club. Because why would they have two of them like that? Anyway it was sold to a local resident by the name of John Krumpatich for 1.8 million dollars, Krumpotich has made statements to the effect that he would like to preserve most of the Fort while making some of the property mixed use development in order to breathe life back into the quiet mountain town. It is also my understanding that there was a mock German Village in there that apparently a lot of the buildings are not there anymore. Hence some of the German looking architecture in the other buildings and the surrounding area.

[@drewlosch]

Over 12K views and nobody has a problem reading the "lettering"....sorry if you can't. BTW, the Enlisted Club has long been torn down...I was stationed there and went to the E-Club all the time. The "curved ceiling" building was the Mess Hall, and the "German Village" was a temporary training site on post during WWII...has nothing to do with local architecture.

So why do we have homeless vets?

[@blibbit]

@ 6:41 - Mess Hall. I worked there in '92-93' rations. I picked up and would stock rotate meals. Great memories.

[@freestatebimmerzs9922]

I just rolled through there on my bike on Tuesday. Doesn't look much different from the video you took. I had a friend, Scott Perkins, who I was stationed with in Germany, whose follow on assignment was Fort Ritchie. He was an MP

[@MrJeep75]

Very sad

[@Happy-Trackscom]

We just wandered in this afternoon and have spent most of the evening researching the status of the development and Washington County. One question that we have is what was the function of the "historic finger buildings"? I guess ""broken window syndrome" has taken hold as the the deterioration is advanced from your tour just 2 years ago.

[@thomasglandon5078]

I was stationed at Ritchie from 1975 thru 1979 I loved it, lived in the 2 story barricks across from the gas station

[@gordonames1892]

I TOO LIVED ACROSS FROM THE GAS STATION IN THE JOINT SERVICES BARRACKS.

[@thomasglandon5078]

Belongs to the Pen Mar group, people live there so you can rent a old housing quarters if you want to live there.

[@johnd9402]

Wow, I got a id there back in 1997.

[@sage598]

My father was working in the 'hole' in Fort Richie when I was born in 1975. My parents lived in Cascade. My mom said that when I was one or two I walked into the lake on post when they had drained the water. She said I was covered in duck shit! LOL. We were reassigned for a number of years. After my dad retired as a Master Sergeant, from Letterkenny, he worked at Fort Ritchie as a civilian in the Pay and Finance section for a number of years, then continuing to Carlisle Barracks. My dad used to take me to work with him some days and I'd go to the bowling alley or the lake. I had the best Fourth of July's there. I caught some bass in that lake too. I loved that place. My heart hurts thinking about it being so deserted.

[@dianemountz7792]

I know this comment was left a while ago. I worked in Commercial Accounts from 1981 - 1985--the same building as Pay and Finance.

[@sage598]

@@dianemountz7792 My father Edward Herman was there during that time. He is 84 now and in assisted living but is doing well. I will mention your name and see if he recalls you. A lady named Rose worked with him too. When Fort Richie closed she worked at Chambersburg Kmart for a while.

[@dianemountz7792]

@sage598 oh my gosh I remember Rose!! My name was Diane Hauser then Spanbauer. What a small world. I kind of remember your dad's name.

[@travistroxell8651]

I used to live there now I'm just down the street from it

[@musamba101]

Served there 92-93....RIP... :-(

[@thomasglandon5078]

I was in CEEIA

[@kevinruppe9979]

Can anyone take a tour of this place? I live about 45 mins away from it and I would really like to experience that history

[@drewlosch]

Yes! It is open but there's limited access to the entire post via car.

[@wmentzer58]

It's basically open to the public. Sad to see it end up this way.

[@kevinruppe9979]

Thanks guys! I was just up at high rock the other day and was curious.

[@bonhymn]

yes

[@TonyTitleGuy]

As a frequent weekend visitor to the area, I spent many a night in the Cozy Inn in Thurmont, MD. down the mountain. I explored this area, but not to the extent of this video. It is truly sad to see. I know I saw the place well before this video was shot, but I can't remember if it was still active or not. It the liquor store across the street still open? I think it was right next to the VFW.

[@dickwilliams6195]

Thanks for the video - I was assigned to ANMCC as a Weather Officer 70 to 71- had Post housing in one of newer vintage red brick apartments - Bldg 751-2 - still remember the address. I thought the post to was be repurposed as an industrial park but obvious that didn't happen or didn't last. The Appalachian Trail ran just up the hill from our apartment - the whole Post was in a beautiful setting in the Catoctin Mountains with a winding drive up the mountain from Thurmont.