Information about Fort Stotsenburg Gate Posts

Fort Stotsenburg Gate Posts

The Fort Stotensburg Gate Posts are the original entrance pillars of the fort from the early 20th century. They stand in the Parade Grounds of the the Clark Air Base, currently located at the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga. 

Fort Stotsenburg in Clark is named after US Calvary Col. John M. Stotsenburg of the 1st Nebraska Volunteers. He became the commander of the 1st Nebraska Volunteer Regiment, which was sent to the Philippines in 1899 to combat against Filipino revolutionaries. He died in action during a battle with these revolutionaries in Quingwa, Bulacan on April 25, 1899.

When the Japanese forces occupied Clark Air Base from 1942 to 1945, the entrance pillars of Fort Stotsenburg were removed from its original position and were used as a fill material when they were undergoing repairs of the damaged base runways. 

In 1965, these same pillars were discovered, unearthed, and relocated near the Consolidated Base Personnel Office. In 1984, they were transferred to the southern boundary of the Parade Grounds of the base, where it is now currently placed as gate posts, since the last location was not too visible. This movement was part of the plan to highlight the history of the military base.

Best time to visit

It's recommended to drop by the Fort Stotsenburg Gate Posts in the dry but cool months, which are usually from late November to February.