An executive order-issued September 14, 1888-set aside a strip of land
adjacent to the boundary of the newly incorporated city of San Pedro,
California. Signed by President Grover Cleveland, the order designated
the area of "the old government reservation" to be used as a military
reservation. It is from this point in time that Fort MacArthur traces
its military career. As a part of the US Air Force's Los Angeles Air
Force Base, the post continues in its purpose of public service to the
citizens of the United States of America. The Fort MacArthur Museum is
charged with preserving its military past. Towards that goal this
history has been compiled to preserve the history of this important
post. Much of this work was derived from materials prepared by Col.
Gustafson for distribution to the Army personnel and visitors of Fort
MacArthur in the late 1970s.