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DAHLONEGA military
I T’S P U R E G O L D
Dahlonega
and Lumpkin
County have long
supported our
men and women who serve
in the military. In addition to
being home to one of only six
senior military colleges in the
United States, Dahlonega is
also the site of Camp Frank D.
Merrill, home to the 5th Ranger
Training Battalion (est. 1952)
and the mountain phase of the
U.S. Army Ranger School.
u.s. army rangers 5th Ranger Training Battalion’s Camp Merrill
in dahlonega
Camp Frank D. Merrill, Almost every war that has been County community. Porter Village, The camp offers a wide
approximately 12 miles northwest fought since the start of recorded a military housing area, lies just range of facilities for active duty
of Dahlonega at the end of Camp history has included some type of west of Dahlonega and shares in military members, retired military
Wahsega Road, is home to the 5th mountain operations, therefore many of the cultural aspects of personnel and their dependents
Ranger Training Battalion (est. the knowledge gained at Camp the area. The Ranger community including commissary, post
1952) and the mountain phase Frank D. Merrill is crucial for both regularly participates in local exchange, guest housing, all ranks
of the U.S. Army Ranger School. survival and operational success. events such as the Fourth of July club, gymnasium, racquetball
Named in honor of Maj. Gen. The 5th Ranger Training Family Day Celebration, Veteran’s court, outdoor equipment rental,
Frank D. Merrill, commander Battalion’s mission is to train small Day activities at Lumpkin County firearms and archery range, and
of one of the first Ranger units unit leaders on mountaineering High School and Memorial Day training facilities. The camp is also
(Merrill’s Marauders in World skills while further developing ceremonies. The camp also hosts home to many hiking, running
War II), the camp’s nearly 290 their combat leadership an Open House and Ranger Run and biking trails (on and off
acres are located at the base of the and functional skills. This is each year in early May, which road) through the Chattahoochee
North Georgia Mountains near the accomplished by requiring them draws thousands of people to National Forest.
Appalachian Trail. to perform individual and Dahlonega to participate in 5K, Besides the array of trails
Each year, more than 2,000 collective tasks in a tactically 15K and 30K runs through the and the extraordinary scenery,
Ranger students arrive from realistic mountainous breathtaking North Georgia the camp provides a fascinating
Fort Benning for 21 days of environment under mental and Mountains. There is also a exhibition of Ranger memorabilia
intense mountain training. Unit physical conditions approaching 1-mile fun run for children. that visitors may tour. For more
leaders are instructed in combat those found in combat. Money earned from all events information about visiting Camp
techniques and procedures that The Ranger Camp and its is generously channeled into Frank D. Merrill, please call
enable them to move swiftly and personnel are an integral and appreciative local charities. (706) 864-3327.
safely over all types of terrain. valued element of the Lumpkin
Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber and Visitors Bureau • (800) 231-5543 • www.dahlonega.org 44
