Fort Negley

[larry_cockerham]

Union Fort Negley here in Nashville has reopened to the public officially after about 60 years. This magnificent stone fortress was built by U.S. Army personnel between 1862 and the battle of Nashville Dec 15-17 1864. Recent funding by Metro Nashville has allowed us to provide walkways and interpretive signage depicting the fort's role in the occupation of Nashville and the battle. Additional funding next year may provide an interpretive center that will serve as a distribution and orientation point for Civil War visitors to Middle Tennessee. The old fort was rebuilt by WPA labor in the 1930s and then left just to grounds maintenance and closed after WWII. Not much support in those following years in Nashville for Union memories! Things are changing, I'm afraid the yankees are back. (Please pardon me for that one, I have U.S. Army soldier ancestors who were here at the time and a confederate ancestor who was in the vicinity.) Ft. Negley is still perhaps 80 per cent intact and is well worth the visit. Come see us! Photos and much information can be found on the Battle of Nashville Preservation Society BONPS website.