Families of former Fort Jackson farmers reunite

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Descendants of former land owners who used to farm and live on South Carolina land that became the Army’s largest training installation are holding their fourth reunion.

Saturday’s event is being held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Columbia, just outside the gates of Fort Jackson.

Organizer John Howell says he expects dozens of family members to come and share stories, photos and genealogical information

Army officials say the original 1,200 acre Camp Jackson was established in 1917 to help train soldiers in the early days of World War I. Local families donated land and the federal government also purchased tracts that now extend more than 52,000 acres.