Long before Houston’s Memorial Park became a favorite destination for outdoor recreation, the land served as Camp Logan, a World War I military training facility where approximately 70,000 soldiers prepared for service. Established in 1917, the camp was also the site of a tragic confrontation involving Black soldiers of the 24th Infantry Regiment and Houston police and residents, followed by military trials and executions.
In 1924, the land became Memorial Park, honoring the soldiers who trained there and served during the Great War. Today, the 1,500-acre park offers miles of hiking and biking trails, restored native prairies, and recreational facilities, providing visitors with a place to explore nature while reflecting on an important chapter of Houston’s military history.