Fort Negley

Fort Negley Park in Nashville, Tennessee is a historic site and public park located approximately 2 miles south of downtown. The park is centered around the ruins of Fort Negley, the largest inland stone fortification built during the American Civil War.

Constructed in 1862 by Union forces after the capture of Nashville, Fort Negley played a significant role in the city's defense during the war. The fort was built using the labor of over 2,700 African American workers, both free and enslaved. Today, the restored fort ruins serve as a reminder of this important period in Nashville's history.

The park spans 55 acres and includes walking trails, interpretive signage, and scenic views of the Nashville skyline. Visitors can explore the fort's remains and learn about its construction, strategic importance, and the experiences of those who built and manned it.

A modern Visitors Center, opened in 2007, enhances the educational experience at Fort Negley Park. The center features exhibits on the Civil War era in Nashville, interactive displays, and documentary films. It also serves as a hub for various educational programs and events throughout the year.

In addition to its historical significance, Fort Negley Park offers natural attractions. The site includes a fossil collection area where visitors can search for 400-million-year-old fossils, providing insight into the region's prehistoric past. A monarch butterfly garden adds to the park's ecological diversity.

Fort Negley Park is open year-round from dawn to dusk for self-guided tours, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace. The Visitors Center has its own operating hours, typically open Tuesday through Saturday.