Fort Negley Nashville, TN!!!
In 1861 the United States would become divided leading to shots being fired in Charleston, SC from Confederate soldiers on Fort Sumter. The American Civil War would begin which lead to many battles throughout the states at that time. Nashville, TN would also become a focus of attention by both sides realizing its importance with the Eastern and Western Campaigns as well as the Cumberland River.
The Union Army lead by General Carlos Bull advanced on the city of Nashville, TN in February of 1862. The city would be surrendered to Bull and his men which made up the Army of Ohio. Nashville would be the first Southern Capitol to fall to the Union. The Union Army and General Ulysses Grant realized the importance of the city and how if it would become under attack they would give up the idea of splitting the armies of the Confederacy. They begun to build a defense system around the city that would include the building of a fort that would be just southeast of the State Capitol Building. Fort Negley would be built as a cornerstone to the defense system that would also serve as a lookout in preparation to the belief that the Battle of Nashville could begin at any point.
In December Confederate General John Hood would advance to Nashville after losing Atlanta in hope to take the city and eventually bring the Army of Tennessee to reconnect with General Robert Lee and the Army of Virginia. The Battle of Nashville began on December 15th and would last until the 16th oin 1864. The battle itself was a total disaster for Hood and his men leading to one of the biggest victories of the Western Campaign by the Union Army. The Army of Tennessee would have a casualty rate of 75% which ceased to exist after the battle. This one battle would lead to the beginning of the end of the Western Campaign of the Civil War.
Today there is a great a visitor center that offers great information along with a gift shop. There is a self guided tour that takes you around the fort. There is also a great casual dining experience that was recommended to me by post it note called Gabby's Burger and Fries. If you are a fan of history or just want to see a great historical sight in the Nashville area head to Fort Negley in Nashville, TN. #ridingwithkurt #postit #fortnegley
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