Barracks 25, the "WAC Palace"

Members of the Women's Army Corps remove "Auxiliary" from their barracks sign, 1943.

Although built in 1898 for enlisted men, curtains were added during World War II for the new residents: soldiers from the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC). Originally they were not part of the Army itself. This barrack was the first for women soldiers stationed at Fort Hancock, who arrived here in 1943. They distinguished themselves both nationally and here at Fort Hancock in providing essential logistical support. That is why the Corps officially became part of the Army in 1943, and the woman received the same pay and benefits as men and dropped "auxiliary" from their name. Soldiers in the Women's Army Corps were called "WACs."