Dumont, New Jersey War Memorials

About This Memorial

The Camp Merritt Memorial commemorates soldiers who served and were killed during World War I. It honors the historical significance of Camp Merritt, a major embarkation camp for troops heading overseas. The memorial is part of a broader effort to preserve WWI history, with resources available through Rutgers University's Special Collections and exhibitions. Notable features include its connection to local history and the ongoing preservation efforts supported by the US WWI Centennial Commission. The memorial serves as a tribute to both the soldiers and the home-front experience during the war. The Camp Merritt Memorial is a 65-foot granite obelisk commemorating the World War I embarkation camp in New Jersey and honoring the 578 individuals who died there, primarily from the Spanish Flu epidemic. Modeled after the Washington Monument, it features a doughboy relief sculpture and a camp map at its base. The memorial lists 15 officers, 558 enlisted men, 4 nurses, and 1 civilian who perished at the camp, which processed over one million soldiers bound for France. Dedicated in 1924 by General Pershing, it stands as a significant tribute to both the camp's logistical role and the personal sacrifices made during WWI.

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