April 11, 2025 – Camp Toccoa at Currahee, the historic training ground of America’s first WWII paratroopers, has officially been added to the Georgia World War II Heritage Trail, a statewide initiative dedicated to preserving the stories and sites of the Greatest Generation.
Built in the 1930s under President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Works Progress Administration, Camp Toccoa became a pivotal training site in 1942 for over 17,000 soldiers. These included members of the 501st, 506th, 511th, and 517th Parachute Infantry Regiments, as well as the 295th Ordnance Heavy Maintenance Company and the 38th Signal Construction Battalion. The camp’s rigorous training regimen, including the infamous “3 miles up, 3 miles down” runs on Currahee Mountain, prepared these troops for critical campaigns in Europe and the Pacific.
The addition of Camp Toccoa enhances the Trail’s mission to connect Georgians and visitors with the state’s rich WWII history. The camp’s legacy is further commemorated at the nearby Currahee Military Museum, located in the historic train depot where soldiers arrived before marching five miles to the camp. The museum houses photographs, documents, and memorabilia, including an actual stable that housed members of the Parachute Infantry Regiment before and after D-Day.
“The Trail serves as an educational and tourism initiative,” said Ed Coleman, Georgia WWII Heritage Trail Chair. “Our mission is to encourage visitors to explore Georgia’s deep connection to World War II and share in the legacy of the Greatest Generation.”
Camp Toccoa’s inclusion in the Georgia WWII Heritage Trail offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the birthplace of America’s airborne forces and to honor the courage and sacrifice of the soldiers who trained there.
The statewide initiative The Trail offers a mix of aviation history, military training sites, and home front contributions and emphasizes collective remembrance. Each site offers unique exhibits, programs, and experiences that delve into various aspects of Georgia’s involvement in World War II.