Several thousand recruits were trained at Camp Chase before being sent south to the battle front.
[1] Before the war began, the fairground was frequently used for musters and drills of Massachusetts militia units under the command of Major General Benjamin Butler, a prominent attorney of Lowell and Massachusetts militia officer.
When the war began, Butler played a large role in creating a more permanent camp on this location.
[2] At least eleven units were trained at Camp Chase during its two years of operation from 1861 to 1863.
[2] After the war, the military camp was discontinued and the site returned to use as an agricultural fair ground.