Fort Ord National Monument CA
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Description: Fort Ord National Monument is a designated national monument located on the central coast of California, near the cities of Monterey and Seaside. The monument encompasses the former Fort Ord military base, which was a major training facility for the United States Army from 1917 to 1994. In 1994, Fort Ord was officially closed as part of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process. After its closure, the lands were transferred to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to be managed as a national monument. The designation of Fort Ord as a national monument was signed into law by President Barack Obama on April 20, 2012. Fort Ord National Monument covers approximately 14,650 acres (about 5,927 hectares) and offers a diverse landscape, including rolling hills, grasslands, oak woodlands, and scenic vistas of the Monterey Bay. It is rich in biodiversity, providing habitat for numerous plant and animal species. The national monument also holds significant cultural and historical value. It was once the site of military training exercises, including infantry and cavalry training during World War I and World War II. During the Cold War, it served as a key training ground for soldiers preparing for deployments overseas. Today, visitors can find remnants of the military infrastructure, such as old buildings, bunkers, and training structures, scattered throughout the landscape. Fort Ord National Monument offers a range of recreational opportunities for visitors. Popular activities include hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing. There are various trails and roads that allow visitors to explore the diverse natural and historical features of the area.