Newton County Tourism Council

In recognition of America's 250th birthday, the Newton County Tourism Council is launching our most ambitious project to date: a full-length, professionally produced documentary on Camp Crowder—its history, its impact, and its enduring legacy.

From its creation on 42,000 acres of Ozark farmland to its evolution through WWII, the Korean War, the Cold War, the Space Race, and into the modern era, Camp Crowder has played a remarkable role in America's story. At its peak, the camp housed 47,000 people—more than nine times the population of Neosho—with its own hospital, chapels, theaters, PX branches, and training facilities. It hosted icons like Cary Grant and Joe Louis, trained tens of thousands of soldiers, and helped launch the technologies that carried us into space.

Yet despite all this, Camp Crowder remains largely unknown outside our region. Its stories—personal, powerful, and deeply American—deserve to be preserved.

For months, our research team has been gathering records and uncovering new details. We are now beginning live interviews with those who lived, worked, and served on these grounds.

Initial funds have carried us this far, but additional support is needed to complete filming, editing, and final production.

This documentary will ensure that future generations can see and hear firsthand accounts from the men and women who helped shape this extraordinary place. Your tax-deductible donation will help bring this important project to the screen.

By supporting this film, you are helping preserve a legacy of service, sacrifice, innovation, and community—a legacy that belongs not just to Newton County, but to America.

Thank you for considering an investment in telling the Camp Crowder story. Together we can ensure it is not forgotten.