Fort Sam Houston
Fort Sam Houston, located in San Antonio, Texas, is one of the oldest military installations in the United States and serves as a major hub for military medical training and operations. It is home to Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA), which encompasses Fort Sam Houston, Lackland Air Force Base, and Randolph Air Force Base.
Fort Sam Houston is best known for housing the U.S. Army Medical Command (MEDCOM) and the Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC), which is the Army’s largest medical facility and the premier trauma care center in the Department of Defense.
Local Fort Sam Houston Veterans Guide
If you’re stationed at Fort Sam Houston or planning a move to San Antonio, Texas, our detailed guide provides everything you need to navigate the area. From housing options both on and off base, to nearby attractions such as the San Antonio River Walk and Alamo, financial resources, and local businesses offering military discounts, this guide is tailored for your stay at Fort Sam Houston. Whether you’re seeking on-base support or want to explore the rich cultural heritage of San Antonio, this guide is your comprehensive resource.
Fort Sam Houston Base Information
Contact Information
- Main Phone Number: +1 (210) 221-7111
- Housing Office: +1 (210) 221-7000
- Health Services Coordinator: +1 (210) 221-7001
- Family Support Office: +1 (210) 221-7002
- Legal Office: +1 (210) 221-7003
Address: Fort Sam Houston, 3561 George C. Beach Ave, San Antonio, TX 78234
Mission
Fort Sam Houston serves as a premier training and medical support base for the U.S. Army. It is home to the U.S. Army North, the Army Medical Command, and Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC), which provides world-class care to service members, veterans, and their families.
History
- Established: 1876
- Historical Significance: Originally a supply depot, Fort Sam Houston evolved into a critical medical and training facility.
- Key milestones include:
- Hosting the Brooke Army Medical Center, one of the largest military hospitals.
- Playing a key role in World War II with medical innovations.
- Serving as a hub for advanced combat medical training.
Location
San Antonio, Texas, USA
Coordinates: 29.4498° N, 98.4501° W
Website: Fort Sam Houston Official Website
Phone: +1 (210) 221-1110
Hours of Operation:
- Visitor Center: Monday–Friday: 7:30 AM–4:00 PM; Closed on weekends and holidays.
- Main Gate: Open 24/7
Base Location and Directions
Address:
Fort Sam Houston
2831 Stanley Rd,
San Antonio, TX 78234
Driving Directions:
- From San Antonio International Airport: Take US-281 S to Binz-Engleman Rd. Follow signs to the Main Gate (approx. 15 minutes).
- From Downtown San Antonio: Take I-35 N to Walters St. Follow signs to Fort Sam Houston (approx. 10 minutes).
Population
- Active Duty Personnel: Approximately 9,000
- Civilians and Contractors: Around 6,000
- Families and Dependents: Nearly 20,000
- Total Population Served: Over 35,000
Texas VA Loan Guide
View our complete VA loan guide for Texas. From local homebuyer assistance programs for Veterans to VA loan requirements and eligibility this guide has everything you need to know if you are considering getting a VA loan in Texas.
Base Resources and Information
- Housing Options: Fort Sam Houston offers on-base housing through Lendlease Communities. The Housing Office can assist military families with housing options both on-base and off-base in the San Antonio area. Contact the Housing Office at +1 (210) 221-7000.
- Off-base housing is available in nearby neighborhoods such as Alamo Heights, Terrell Hills, and Olmos Park.
- Current median home prices in San Antonio: $325,000 (as of 2024).
- Base Transportation: Fort Sam Houston provides shuttle services for military personnel and their families. The base is located near major highways, offering easy access to downtown San Antonio and surrounding areas.
- Medical and Emergency Services: Medical care is provided by the Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC), one of the largest military hospitals in the country. For medical appointments and emergencies, contact the Health Services Coordinator at +1 (210) 221-7001.
- Dining Facilities: Fort Sam Houston offers several on-base dining options, including the Rocco Dining Facility and multiple fast-food outlets. Off-base, San Antonio provides a wide variety of restaurants, from local Tex-Mex favorites to national chains.
- Fitness and Wellness Programs: The base features several fitness centers, including the Jimmy Brought Fitness Center, offering fitness classes, gym equipment, and wellness programs. Outdoor recreational areas are available for jogging, sports, and family activities.
Education:
- On-Base Schools: There are no on-base schools at Fort Sam Houston, but children typically attend schools in the Fort Sam Houston Independent School District.
- Off-Base Schools: Families living off-base have access to public schools in the San Antonio Independent School District. Higher education opportunities are available at The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) and Alamo Colleges District.
- Child Development Center (CDC): Fort Sam Houston operates a Child Development Center (CDC) offering daycare, preschool, and after-school care for military families. Contact the CDC for enrollment information.
Things to Do:
- Outdoor Activities: Fort Sam Houston offers various outdoor recreational facilities, including sports fields, parks, and jogging trails. Off-base, San Antonio offers plenty of outdoor activities, including visits to the famous Alamo and the scenic San Antonio River Walk.
- Shopping and Dining: The base has a Commissary and Exchange (PX) for on-base shopping. Off-base, San Antonio offers numerous shopping centers, including The Shops at La Cantera and North Star Mall, as well as a variety of dining options.
Local Support and Resources:
- Veterans Service Organizations: Local VFW and American Legion posts in San Antonio offer support and resources for veterans and their families.
- Family Support Office: The Family Support Office offers financial counseling, deployment support, and family advocacy services. Contact the Family Support Office at +1 (210) 221-7002.
- Legal Services: Fort Sam Houston offers legal services, including wills, powers of attorney, and legal counseling. Contact the Legal Office at +1 (210) 221-7003 for more information.
Base History and Mission: Established in 1876, Fort Sam Houston is one of the oldest U.S. Army installations. It is known as the “Home of Military Medicine” and houses the U.S. Army Medical Command. The base plays a key role in medical training and supports the military medical community with world-class facilities like the Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC).
Top 10 FAQ About Fort Sam Houston
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is the primary mission of Fort Sam Houston? | Fort Sam Houston is a major military medical training facility, hosting the Army Medical Department Center & School and the Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC). It is also home to U.S. Army North. |
| Where is Fort Sam Houston located? | Fort Sam Houston is located in San Antonio, Texas, and is part of Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA). |
| How large is Fort Sam Houston? | The installation supports over 36,000 active duty personnel, 48,000 family members, and 76,000 retirees. |
| What types of training are conducted at Fort Sam Houston? | The base focuses on medical training, including combat medic and advanced medical courses, and also supports disaster response and homeland defense training. |
| What are the key facilities at Fort Sam Houston? | Key facilities include the Brooke Army Medical Center, the Army Medical Department Center & School, and the historic Quadrangle. |
| What is the historical significance of Fort Sam Houston? | Established in the 19th century, Fort Sam Houston has played a key role in every major U.S. conflict since the Spanish-American War. It is also home to several National Historic Landmarks. |
| What medical services are available at Fort Sam Houston? | Fort Sam Houston offers comprehensive medical services through BAMC, including emergency care, trauma services, and specialized treatment facilities. |
| Are there on-base housing options at Fort Sam Houston? | Yes, Fort Sam Houston provides family housing, single-soldier housing, and temporary lodging facilities for military personnel. |
| How can I visit Fort Sam Houston? | Visitors need to check in at the Visitor Center with proper identification. The base also offers historical tours, particularly of the Quadrangle. |
| What recreational facilities are available on base? | The base features various recreational facilities including fitness centers, dining options, and family support services. |
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