Mead & Hunt – Camp McCoy

During World War II, one of the biggest sources of work for engineering firms across the nation was the design and construction of Army training centers called “cantonments.” The War Department sited the facilities throughout the country, and in early 1941, chose Camp McCoy for training maneuvers for the 2nd Army.

In July 1941, Clayton Ward (the firm was then Mead, Ward & Hunt) signed a contract with the US Army to complete plans for the large military installation near Sparta, in central Wisconsin’s Monroe County.  Early estimates were that the camp would require 55,000 acres of land, house 30,000 men, and cost $22.8 million.  Ward signed a “cost-plus-fixed-fee” contract, whereby the government would pay for construction and materials, and the firm would receive $100,000 for its design work.  Over the next few months, the company hired 125 engineers to complete preliminary plans for layout of the camp, and in August opened a branch office at the site.  Topographical surveys – the first phase of development – began.