An executive order-issued September 14, 1888-set aside a strip of land adjacent to the boundary of the newly incorporated city of San Pedro, California. Signed by President Grover Cleveland, the order designated the area of "the old government reservation" to be used as a military reservation. It is from this point in time that Fort MacArthur traces its military career. As a part of the US Air Force's Los Angeles Air Force Base, the post continues in its purpose of public service to the citizens of the United States of America. The Fort MacArthur Museum is charged with preserving its military past. Towards that goal this history has been compiled to preserve the history of this important post. Much of this work was derived from materials prepared by Col. Gustafson for distribution to the Army personnel and visitors of Fort MacArthur in the late 1970s.