Ft. Des Moines Historic Marker Unveiling

African-American captains at Fort Des Moines on Oct. 15, 1917. Photographer: Hebard Showers, Des Moines. (Photo: State Historical Society of Iowa)

We are proud to announce the historic marker unveiling at Fort Des Moines, honoring a defining moment in both military and civil rights history and a legacy deeply tied to the NAACP.

At the onset of World War I, the U.S. War Department doubted whether Black men could serve as military officers. It took courage, advocacy, and unyielding pressure to change that. Leading the charge was Dr. Joel E. Spingarn, then-chair of the NAACP Board of Directors, who fought tirelessly to secure training opportunities for African American officers. With support from leaders like Col. Charles Young, Black college students, and over 300 lawmakers, Fort Des Moines was selected as the first—and only—training site for Black officers during WWI.

One of the men who answered that call was S. Joe Brown, the founding president of the NAACP Des Moines Branch. Brown trained at Fort Des Moines and would go on to become a legal pioneer, co-founding the National Bar Association.

On June 14, 2025, we invite you to stand with us at Fort Des Moines as we unveil a historic marker recognizing:

• The 1,250 African American officer candidates who trained here in 1917.

• The site’s pivotal role as the only officer training location for the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) in WWII.

• The Black fraternities, civil rights leaders, and community institutions who made this milestone possible.

  
  

This event is more than a ceremony; it's a tribute to those who fought to serve, lead, and change a nation.

📍 Save the Date: June 14, 2025📍 Fort Des Moines📍 Details of supporting events coming soon! 📍 Register for the unveiling now: https://www.naacpdesmoines.org/events-1/fort-des-moines-historic-marker-unveiling