Although it sits on property now owned by the University of Utah, the Fort Douglas Military Museum on Potter Street will continue to be operated by the U.S. Army Reserve. The property is part of 50 acres of Army property transferred to UofU ownership in early August. (Courtesy University Utah Media Relations)
For decades, the University of Utah has been nibbling away at the neighboring property occupied by the U.S. Army Reserve, adding it piece by piece to its campus. In a ceremony earlier this month, the school took the final bite as the remaining 50 acres of the now-former Fort Douglas were handed over to university.
The move was made possible when the university — with state funds — completed a new $127 million, 227,000-square-foot headquarters for the Army Reserve at Camp Williams, 30 miles away in the south end of Salt Lake County. The facility will house military units and personnel, relocated from the Fort Douglas property adjacent to the campus.
The closure of the fort and final transfer of land to the university closes a chapter of history unique in the United States. Originally built on two square miles of Wasatch Mountain foothills, the fort allowed the federal government to keep an eye on Mormon pioneer settlers’ activities in downtown Salt Lake City.
For more than 120 years, the University of Utah’s future has been tied to the federal land around it — especially Fort Douglas. The school’s campus has historically grown by absorbing land owned or controlled by the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Army. The final tract — bounded by Mario Capecchi Drive to the west and Foothill Drive to the south — was ceremonially deeded to the UofU on Aug. 8.
“The story of Fort Douglas has always been a story of service. For more than 160 years, generations of soldiers prepared here to defend our nation. Today, that legacy continues through an extraordinary partnership that strengthens both the U.S. Army Reserve and the University of Utah,” said Taylor Randall, president of the University of Utah. “We are profoundly grateful to the Army Reserve, the Utah National Guard, our elected leaders and the many partners whose vision and trust made this day possible.”
The complex transfer required action from both the Utah Legislature and the Utah governor’s office, as well as Congress.
“This collaborative effort is one of the most significant modernization efforts in our region’s military history,” said Gov. Spencer Cox. “This move to a high-tech new facility will strengthen soldier readiness, expand training capability and enhance long-term support for operational missions across the western United States. And it will continue a strategic partnership between federal, state, tribal and academic institutions committed to supporting America’s soldiers.”
The new U.S. Army Reserve Center at Camp Williams opened in June, marking the transition of Army Reserve units and personnel previously stationed at Fort Douglas to their new location. The move was completed on June 19. The Army Reserve will continue to operate the Fort Douglas Military Museum, and the federal government will manage the fort’s military cemetery on Chipeta Way.
Founded in 1862 by a United States trying to defend the western frontier and monitor the Mormons (members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints), the fort at one time stretched over 10,500 acres along the eastern bench of Salt Lake City — from 900 South to 6th Avenue, and from 1300 East to the mouth of Emigration Canyon. Much of the fort’s acreage became east bench neighborhoods and recreation spaces. Prior to the most recent transfer, a total of 1,534 acres had been transferred to the university over the past 126 years, including land now used for Utah Athletics facilities, the Natural History Museum of Utah (1968), Red Butte Garden (1968), Research Park (1968), university teaching and research buildings (1898), University Health hospitals and clinics (1962), student housing along historic Fort Douglas Circle (1991) and 469 acres in a heritage preserve.
“As we accept stewardship of this historic place, we do so with a commitment to honor its past while creating new opportunities for future generations through education, discovery, healthcare and innovation,” Randall said.
The Stephen A. Douglas Army Reserve Center at Fort Douglas had been constrained by outdated infrastructure and buildings. Some still in operation in 2026 were more than 100 years old. The new Camp Williams site offers modern facilities and better access for reservists, supporting future expansion and enhancing operational synergy with the Utah Army National Guard. The center, which includes administrative offices, storage and a separate vehicle maintenance shop, replaces the operations of nearly a dozen buildings at the fort.
“The Army Reserve is very proud of our heritage and ties to Fort Douglas and the greater Salt Lake City area,” said Maj. Gen. Kevin Meisler, commander of the U.S. Army Reserve’s 88th Readiness Division. “The relationships we build with our community partners like the University of Utah, the Utah National Guard and the state of Utah have been instrumental in setting the stage for this historic land agreement. This project ensures that our Army Reserve soldiers will continue to be the best-trained army in the world, defending our freedom for many years to come.”
Following the relocation of Army Reserve personnel, Fort Douglas property will be transferred to the university for future campus development. The entirety of Fort Douglas is on the National Register of Historic Places and the state historic register. Federal preservation laws will guide the renovation process. Because the University of Utah is a public university, the Utah Office of Historic Preservation has oversight and will provide guidance for developing fort property and buildings.
Portions of this story were furnished by University of Utah Media Relations.
