Camp Damm

Camp Damm was a U.S. Army aviation training site during World War I, located in what is now North Babylon, on the former Belmont estate.

🛩️ Origins and Location

• In June 1918, August Belmont Jr. leased approximately 280 acres of his estate—including the Belmont horse-racing track—to the U.S. Army for use as an airfield

• This temporary base was named Camp Damm, in honor of Lieutenant Colonel Henry J. Damm, a pilot who was killed on May 2, 1918, during test flights

🏟️ Infrastructure & Military Use

• From summer 1918 through early 1919, the Army constructed barracks and hangars on-site to support training operations

• The facility was used primarily by the 261st and 350th Aero Squadrons, accommodating around 1,200 mechanics and pilots

📜 Historical Marker & Commemoration

• In 2018, a marker titled “CAMP DAMM” was installed by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation at the intersection of Belmont Avenue and Clark (or Warren) Street in North Babylon

• The inscription reads:
  “Site of airfield for training WWI pilots, 1918–1919. Named for Lt. Col. Henry J. Damm. Army leased horse farm from August Belmont Jr.”

• This marker is also listed among local historical markers maintained by Town of Babylon Historic Services

🗺️ Post-War Transition

• Camp Damm was abandoned in early 1919 following the end of WWI

• Subsequently, the former Belmont estate was developed into Belmont Lake State Park, with other parts sold for residential development and intersected later by the Southern State Parkway

📌 Key Facts

FeatureDetailsOperational PeriodSummer 1918–early 1919Named ForLt. Col. Henry J. DammLocationBelmont estate, North Babylon (Belmont Ave & Clark/Warren St)Personnel261st & 350th Aero Squadrons; ~1,200 mechanics and pilotsAftermathCamp dismantled; land became Belmont Lake State Park & residences

Lt. Col. Henry J. Damm (1874–1918)

Henry J. Damm was a U.S. Army aviation officer during World War I, remembered particularly for his work in the early military aviation program.

Here’s what is historically known about him:

Background

• Born in 1874, Damm served in the U.S. Army during a period when aviation was still new and extremely hazardous.

• He rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, a senior field officer rank, indicating significant responsibility in the emerging aviation branch.

Aviation Career

• Damm was involved in test flights and pilot training during America’s rapid buildup of military aviation capacity in 1917–1918.

• He died in an aviation accident on May 2, 1918, during a test flight — typical of the dangerous conditions of early flight training.

Why the Army named Camp Damm after him

• The Army often named temporary WWI training facilities after fallen aviation officers.

• Camp Damm, established only a few weeks after his death, served as a fitting tribute given his work in military aviation and training.

The Belmont Estate (North Babylon, NY)

The estate of August Belmont Jr., one of the wealthiest and most influential men on Long Island, played a major role in the creation of Camp Damm.

About August Belmont Jr.

• Financier, sportsman, and president of the Interborough Rapid Transit (IRT) — the first New York City subway.

• Major horse-racing figure; built Belmont Park in 1905.

• Owned extensive land in Suffolk County, including a private race track and large manor grounds.

The Land Used for Camp Damm

• In 1918, Belmont leased 280+ acres of his Babylon estate — including his private racetrack — to the U.S. Army for $1 per year (symbolic), as a patriotic contribution.

• The Army built:

  • Barracks

  • Hangars

  • Training grounds for aero squadrons

• After WWI, the site was abandoned and later redeveloped.

After the Military Left

• In the 1920s–1930s the area became:

  • Belmont Lake State Park (central portion)

  • Residential neighborhoods around Belmont Avenue

  • Areas later crossed by the Southern State Parkway

Belmont’s role in both horse racing and Long Island development left a long-term mark that still defines the region today.