It was established in 1961 when the former United States Air Force base, Ladd Field, was transferred to the Army and redesignated in honor of World War II general Jonathan M. Wainwright. From 1986 to 1994 Fort Wainwright was the home of the 6th Infantry Division (Light), including serving as the division's headquarters from 1990 to 1994 . From 1998 to 2006, it was home to the 172nd Infantry Brigade. In 2006, the 172nd was re-flagged as the 1st brigade of the 25th Infantry Division. Fort Wainwright is also the home of Task Force 49, an aviation brigade that provides logistical air support for U.S. Army Alaska. It also hosts the Bureau of Land Management's Alaska Fire Service.
Eva McGown was a member of the Officer's Women's Club at the fort.
