Mémorial et cheminée du camp américain

During the First World War, an American camp was set up in the communes of Is-sur-Tille and Marcilly-sur-Tille. This camp was one of the largest in France (it held up to 24,000 soldiers a day during the summer of 1918).
For every American soldier who landed, 10 tonnes of equipment followed, which had consequences for the organisation of the camp. Armaments, military clothing and food were sent on demand from the storage buildings to the American regulating station at Is-sur-Tille. The management of the advanced depots was handled by the American Engineers. The engineers began building the camp in September 1917, and it was completed in March 1918. The camp covered almost 300 hectares and included warehouses spread along 13 km of narrow gauge track and 95 km of normal track. A bakery also served to feed all the American soldiers: its production capacity was 365 tonnes of bread a day. A power station with two 500 kW turbines provided the energy. In Is-sur-Tille, we can see remains that remind us of the presence of American soldiers in the area: the restored chimney (a remnant of the officers' hostel building) and tanks located on a hillside near the RD 959. To commemorate the presence of the American army, a stele has been erected in the industrial estate.
In summer, René Perrat, a member of the Société d'Histoire de la Tille et de l'Ignon, brings the American camp back to life during a guided tour... Free, booking required at the tourist office: 03 80 95 24 03.