Fort Negley gives visitors a close look at history
Nashville was captured by Union forces more than 100 years ago, but a piece of that history still lives on in the city today: Fort Negley
The city was captured in 1862 by the Union Army, which built and used the fort to control major transportation routes including the river, turnpikes and railroads. Once in control of these major thoroughfares, the Union saw Nashville as critical for the transport of war supplies.
Preservationis in recent years worked to restore the fort, which had fallen into ruin, and it reopened to the public in late 2004. Now Fort Negley is becoming one of the city’s notable tourism spots for out-of-town guests and school field trips.
A visitors center that opened in late 2007 is filled with nuggets of information that help visitors the fort's role during the war. A film, called “The Fall of Nashville” highlights the capture of the city by the Union. Visitors also learn about 2,768 people who built the fort; many were newly freed slaves.
Photos in the visitors center provide details on the fort's architecture and the the Union’s occupation of the city. A kiosk in the lobby allows visitors to search for their Civil War ancestors. Outside, visitors can walk along the grounds to see the remains of the fort.
Guided tours are offered free of charge from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. A minimum group of 15 is required with a maximum of 60. Reservations, preferably made a month in advance, are required for the guided tour.
The gates of Fort Negley are open from dawn until dusk daily, and the fort is accessible even when the visitors center is closed.
Posted by Leah M. Caudle
