You Can Tour A Historic Civil War Fort, Fort Negley, Right In The Heart Of Nashville
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Meghan Kraft
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The state of Tennessee has a deep history, one that stretches from before the 19th century straight through to modern times. Fort Negley is at the heart of Nashville, both the capital and largest city in middle Tennessee, and it remains one of the most historic locations to visit in the state. Learn more bout this former Union fortification below, and leave your own experience in the comments.
Fort Negley was built during the American Civil War by Union troops. After Confederate forces were moved from Forts Henry and Donelson, the decision was made to abandon Nashville as an occupied city. Union forces then took control of the city.
Here you can see Fort Negley in 1864. It looks quite a bit different than nowadays! The limestone structure was built just south of the city on St. Cloud Hill, with construction overseen by Captain James St. Clair Morton.
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The fort was made from 62,500 cubic feet of stone and 18,000 cubic feet of earth. It cost $130,000 to create. Most of the construction was completed by newly freed slaves looking for revocation of their former lives with the help of the Union army. The fort was named after General James S. Negley.
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The Battle of Nashville took place in 1864, and though the battle was long and dark, Fort Negley was not a part of the battle. The fighting took place largely in the Franklin, Tennessee area outside of the city.
Fort Negley has since fallen into a state of ruin. Preservation was spearheaded in the early 2000's, and the ruins have since been stabilized. Fort Negley is listed as a Site of Memory in the Slave Route Project, and is a historic place to visit and wander when you come to Nashville.
Fort Negley continues to be a place of historical focus and expansion in Nashville, with city-funded educational opportunities and structures planned for the future.
Have you been to Fort Negley? Have you seen it, high atop the hills above Nashville?
You can learn more about Fort Negley with a visit here, folks. Happy exploring!
If you’re hungry after your grand and great step back in time, might we recommend the brisket?
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Fort Negley Blvd, Nashville, TN 37203, USA