[1] Camp Merritt was established on May 29, 1898, pursuant to General Order 7 of the U.S. Expeditionary Forces.

General Elwell Stephen Otis, commanding general of the U.S. Volunteer Army, established the headquarters for the Philippine Islands Expeditionary Forces at the southwest corner of the camp on slightly elevated ground at Fulton Street and 4th Avenue.

[1][disputed – discuss] Confirmed Units processed through Camp Merritt: The camp was abandoned about August 27, 1898 when the remaining troops were moved to Camps Merriam and Miller a bit north at Presidio of San Francisco.

Camp Merritt existed only long enough for the fleet to be assembled for the 18,000 troops destined for the Philippines to be sent off.

Problems with disease, mostly measles and typhoid, also accelerated its closing.