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Pierce County has been of military importance to the United States since its founding. Fort Steilacoom began housing troops in 1850. The citizens of Pierce County voted to grant 70,000 acres to the federal government in 1917 for the construction Camp Lewis. Union labor answered the call when lumber and other industries were vital to war efforts. During WWI, Victory Hall at 10th and A Street was constructed by union labor in one day. During WWII, Liberty Center, the war bond center and public square, was dedicated on Labor Day, 1942.