What was Fort Bragg renamed? Fort Bragg was officially renamed Fort Liberty on June 2, 2023, and as of February 13, 2026, the North Carolina installation continues to operate under the name Fort Liberty.
The U.S. Army carried out the change after Congress directed the Department of Defense to remove Confederate-associated names from military assets. Fort Bragg, originally named after Confederate General Braxton Bragg, became one of nine Army installations renamed under that mandate.
Here is a detailed look at the renaming, why it happened, and where things stand today.
Fort Bragg Is Now Fort Liberty
Fort Bragg officially became Fort Liberty during a renaming ceremony held on June 2, 2023.
The installation, located near Fayetteville, North Carolina, no longer honors Braxton Bragg. The Army updated signage, digital platforms, official documents, and command materials to reflect the new name during the 2023 transition period.
As of 2026, Fort Liberty remains the official name. The Department of Defense has not reversed or modified that designation.
Why the Name Was Changed
Fort Bragg was established in 1918 and named after Braxton Bragg, a Confederate general who served during the Civil War.
In 2020, nationwide discussions intensified regarding Confederate symbols and memorials. Congress responded by including a provision in the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act that required the Department of Defense to identify and rename military assets associated with the Confederacy.
Lawmakers created the Naming Commission to oversee the review. The commission evaluated installations, ships, buildings, and other assets across the armed forces.
Fort Bragg was included in the list of installations slated for renaming.
The Role of the Naming Commission
The Naming Commission operated independently and reviewed:
- Army bases
- Navy vessels
- Air Force facilities
- Marine Corps installations
The panel submitted recommendations to the Secretary of Defense, who approved new names in 2022.
The Army implemented those changes throughout 2023.
For Fort Bragg, the commission recommended the name Fort Liberty. The Army formally adopted that recommendation.
Official Timeline of the Renaming
Here is a clear timeline of events:
- 2020: National debate over Confederate symbols intensifies.
- January 2021: The 2021 NDAA becomes law, mandating review and renaming.
- 2022: Naming Commission submits recommendations.
- June 2, 2023: Fort Bragg officially becomes Fort Liberty.
- End of 2023: All mandated base renamings completed.
- 2026: Fort Liberty remains the active name.
The process concluded within the congressional deadline.
What Fort Liberty Represents
The name Fort Liberty does not honor a specific individual.
Instead, it references the principle of liberty, a foundational value of the United States.
Army leaders stated that the name reflects the service and sacrifice of soldiers who defend American freedoms.
The installation continues its mission unchanged under the new designation.
What Happens at Fort Liberty Today?
Fort Liberty remains one of the most important Army installations in the country.
It serves as headquarters for:
- XVIII Airborne Corps
- 82nd Airborne Division
- U.S. Army Special Operations Command
The base supports:
- Airborne training operations
- Special operations readiness
- Rapid deployment missions
The name change did not alter its command structure or operational responsibilities.
Size and Strategic Importance
Fort Liberty is one of the largest military installations in the world by population.
It supports tens of thousands of:
- Active-duty soldiers
- Civilian employees
- Military family members
The installation plays a central role in U.S. Army global readiness. Units stationed there frequently deploy for overseas operations.
While the name changed, the base’s strategic importance did not.
Other Army Bases Renamed
Fort Bragg was part of a broader renaming effort.
Here is a list of installations renamed during the same period:
| Former Name | New Name |
|---|---|
| Fort Bragg | Fort Liberty |
| Fort Benning | Fort Moore |
| Fort Hood | Fort Cavazos |
| Fort Lee | Fort Gregg-Adams |
| Fort Pickett | Fort Barfoot |
| Fort Polk | Fort Johnson |
| Fort Rucker | Fort Novosel |
| Fort A.P. Hill | Fort Walker |
| Fort Gordon | Fort Eisenhower |
Each renaming followed formal approval by the Department of Defense.
As of 2026, all new names remain active.
Economic Impact in North Carolina
Fort Liberty serves as a major economic driver in the Fayetteville region.
The installation contributes billions of dollars annually to the state economy through:
- Military salaries
- Civilian employment
- Contracting
- Local business activity
The renaming required updates to:
- Road signs
- Official maps
- Local government documents
- Business branding
Despite logistical adjustments, the base’s economic footprint remained stable.
Public Reaction and Ongoing Usage
The renaming generated national attention in 2023.
Some Americans supported removing Confederate-linked names from military installations. Others opposed the change.
Despite differing opinions, the Department of Defense completed the directive.
As of February 13, 2026:
- Fort Liberty appears in official Army communications.
- Military orders reference Fort Liberty.
- Recruitment materials use the updated name.
No federal directive has restored the former name.
Clarifying the Answer
For those asking directly, what was Fort Bragg renamed?
Fort Bragg was renamed Fort Liberty.
The change became official on June 2, 2023. The installation continues operating under that name today.
There has been no reversal or modification of the designation.
Historical Background of the Installation
Fort Bragg began as Camp Bragg in 1918 during World War I.
The Army initially used the site for artillery training. Over time, it evolved into a major airborne and special operations center.
In 1922, the War Department redesignated it as Fort Bragg.
For more than a century, the installation carried that name before the 2023 transition.
Current Signage and Documentation
The Army updated all official records and signage during 2023.
This included:
- Entry gates
- Highway signs
- Installation seals
- Official letterhead
- Digital presence
Today, maps and federal records list the installation as Fort Liberty.
The change applies across all Army administrative systems.
Why People Still Search the Old Name
Search interest for “what was Fort Bragg renamed” continues for several reasons:
- The base held its former name for over 100 years.
- Veterans and service members may still use the original name.
- Media references sometimes mention both names for clarity.
However, the official and legal name remains Fort Liberty.
Fort Liberty continues to serve as a central hub for airborne forces and special operations while operating under its updated designation.
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