Installation overview
About Fort Johnson
Fort Johnson, formerly Fort Polk, is home to the Joint Readiness Training Center.
Use this page for location context, nearby community factors, and related base discovery pathways.
Location
Fort Johnson Location & Map
Leesville, Louisiana
Map marker represents general installation location.
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Quick Facts
- Branch
- Army
- Installation type
- Fort
- State
- Louisiana
- Nearest city
- Leesville
- Official website
- Visit official site
- Area hazard risk
- Relatively Moderate
Public sources
Visit official installation websiteThis page is an informational directory entry. For gate access, visitor rules, and operational procedures, always use official military websites.
Last verified: January 2024
Living Near the Base
- Compare rent and home prices by neighborhood, then estimate commute patterns to primary gates.
- Review nearby town and city options to match school, healthcare, and daily service priorities.
- Use official channels for updated traffic, gate access, and installation-specific procedures.
Family and Lifestyle
- Family fit varies by school zones, commute times, and community amenities in surrounding areas.
- Lifestyle can range from urban convenience to suburban quiet depending on where you choose to live.
- Climate and recreation options around Fort Johnson should be factored into relocation planning.
Things to Do Nearby
- Local parks, trails, and recreation areas
- Community events and regional cultural attractions
- Nearby shopping, dining, and family amenities
PCS and Relocation Notes
- Research neighborhoods by commute time, not just mileage.
- Compare full monthly costs including transportation, utilities, and childcare.
- Confirm installation-specific arrival and access guidance through official channels.
PCS Climate and Natural Hazards
Climate and hazard profile near Fort Johnson
NOAA climate normals from the nearest reporting station (LEESVILLE, LA US), plus community-level hazard exposure for Vernon County.
- Avg high
- 77.9°F
- Avg low
- 54.5°F
- Annual rainfall
- 59.31 in
- Typical snowfall
- —
Natural-hazard exposure
Overall: Relatively ModerateClimate normals period: 1991-2020. Hazard ratings are community-level public references for PCS planning and are not installation-specific determinations. Sources: NOAA NCEI and FEMA National Risk Index methodology. Compare bases by natural-hazard risk.
Name and Status Timeline
History of names and status for Fort Johnson
Curated, sourced redesignation and BRAC/closure events. Last verified 2026-07-31. Official names and statuses can change — confirm with primary DoD or Army sources.
Former names: Fort Johnson · Fort Polk (Leonidas Polk namesake)
- Rename
Redesignated Fort Johnson
Fort Polk → Fort Johnson
Reason: Naming Commission / FY2021 NDAA Section 370 implementation
Fort Polk redesignated Fort Johnson in honor of Sgt. William Henry Johnson under Naming Commission recommendations.
- Rename
Redesignated Fort Polk (James H. Polk)
Fort Johnson → Fort Polk
Reason: Army redesignation announced June 10, 2025, honoring Gen. James H. Polk
Army announced redesignation from Fort Johnson to Fort Polk in honor of Gen. James H. Polk, a World War II Silver Star recipient. Directory slug remains fort-johnson pending seed sync.
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Fort Johnson FAQ
Quick answers to common relocation and location questions.
Where is Fort Johnson located?
Fort Johnson is located near Leesville, Louisiana.
What city is closest to Fort Johnson?
Leesville is the nearest listed city for Fort Johnson.
What is it like to live near Fort Johnson?
Living near a military installation varies by commute, housing market, school access, and community amenities. Use this page as a starting point and verify local details directly.
What is the natural-hazard risk near Fort Johnson?
The surrounding Vernon community has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Relatively Moderate. Climate normals nearby include average high near 77.9°F, average low near 54.5°F, about 59.31 inches of annual rainfall. These are community-level public references for PCS planning, not installation-specific hazard determinations.
What is the current official name used in this timeline for Fort Johnson?
This timeline lists the current name as Fort Polk (status: active). Last verified 2026-07-31. Confirm with official Army or DoD sources before citing.
What former names are recorded for Fort Johnson?
Fort Johnson; Fort Polk (Leonidas Polk namesake)