Fort Bragg was named after Braxton Bragg, a Confederate general who served during the American Civil War. The U.S. Army assigned his name to the North Carolina installation in 1918, and the designation remained in place until the base was renamed Fort Liberty on June 2, 2023.
As of February 13, 2026, the installation operates under the name Fort Liberty. However, the history behind the former name continues to generate public interest. Here is a detailed and fully factual look at who Braxton Bragg was, why the Army chose his name, and how that decision evolved over time.
The Origin of the Name Fort Bragg
The installation began as Camp Bragg in 1918 during World War I. The War Department established the camp in North Carolina as an artillery training site.
In 1922, the Army redesignated it as Fort Bragg.
The name honored Braxton Bragg, who was born in North Carolina and served as a general in the Confederate States Army during the Civil War.
At the time, naming Army posts after Confederate officers in Southern states was common practice. The decision reflected political and regional dynamics of the early 20th century rather than current military naming standards.
Who Was Braxton Bragg?
Braxton Bragg was born on March 22, 1817, in Warrenton, North Carolina.
He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1837. After graduation, he served in the U.S. Army and fought in the Second Seminole War and the Mexican-American War.
Bragg resigned from the U.S. Army in 1856.
When the Civil War began in 1861, he joined the Confederate States Army.
Braxton Bragg’s Civil War Role
During the Civil War, Braxton Bragg rose to the rank of full general.
He commanded the Army of Tennessee, one of the Confederacy’s principal military forces.
Key engagements under his leadership included:
- Battle of Shiloh (1862)
- Battle of Perryville (1862)
- Battle of Stones River (1862–1863)
- Battle of Chickamauga (1863)
The Battle of Chickamauga marked a significant Confederate victory in Georgia.
Despite that success, Bragg faced criticism from fellow Confederate officers. Disputes within his command structure and controversial battlefield decisions shaped his legacy.
His military record remains debated among historians.
Why the Army Selected His Name in 1918
When Camp Bragg opened in 1918, the United States had entered World War I. The Army rapidly expanded training facilities.
Many Southern bases established during this period received names honoring Confederate officers who were native to the region.
Braxton Bragg fit that pattern. He was a North Carolina native and a former artillery officer.
In 1922, the War Department made the designation permanent by redesignating the installation as Fort Bragg.
The naming aligned with federal practices at the time.
The Installation’s Growth Under the Name Fort Bragg
For more than a century, Fort Bragg became one of the most prominent Army installations in the world.
The base eventually served as headquarters for:
- XVIII Airborne Corps
- 82nd Airborne Division
- U.S. Army Special Operations Command
Fort Bragg grew into a central hub for airborne operations, rapid deployment forces, and special operations training.
The installation supported tens of thousands of active-duty soldiers, civilian employees, and military families.
Although the name changed in 2023, many veterans still refer to their service there under the former designation.
The 2023 Renaming to Fort Liberty
In 2021, Congress passed legislation directing the Department of Defense to remove Confederate-associated names from military installations.
The Naming Commission reviewed military assets and submitted recommendations for new names.
On June 2, 2023, the Army officially renamed Fort Bragg to Fort Liberty.
The change completed a process mandated by federal law.
As of February 13, 2026, the installation remains Fort Liberty.
Other Installations Renamed
Fort Bragg was one of nine Army bases renamed under the congressional directive.
Here is a summary of related changes:
| Former Name | New Name |
|---|---|
| Fort Bragg | Fort Liberty |
| Fort Benning | Fort Moore |
| Fort Hood | Fort Cavazos |
| Fort Lee | Fort Gregg-Adams |
| Fort Polk | Fort Johnson |
| Fort Rucker | Fort Novosel |
| Fort Gordon | Fort Eisenhower |
| Fort Pickett | Fort Barfoot |
| Fort A.P. Hill | Fort Walker |
All changes became official by the end of 2023.
No reversal has occurred as of 2026.
Braxton Bragg’s Historical Reputation
Braxton Bragg’s legacy remains complex.
He served the Confederacy, which fought against the United States during the Civil War.
While he achieved certain battlefield successes, many historians criticize his leadership style and internal conflicts with fellow officers.
His reputation has never matched that of some other Confederate commanders.
The Army’s decision to remove his name reflects modern policies regarding Confederate memorialization.
Why the Question Continues Today
Many Americans still search for information about who Fort Bragg was named after.
Several factors explain ongoing interest:
- The installation carried the name for over 100 years.
- Veterans often reference their service at Fort Bragg.
- Historical debates about Confederate memorials continue nationwide.
Understanding the origin of the name provides context for both the original designation and the later renaming.
Current Status of the Installation in 2026
As of February 13, 2026:
- The installation operates as Fort Liberty.
- Official Army communications use the new name.
- Federal records reflect the 2023 change.
The former name exists only in historical documentation and veteran recollections.
Fort Liberty continues to function as a key component of U.S. Army readiness and special operations capability.
Direct Answer to the Question
To answer clearly: Who was Fort Bragg named after?
Fort Bragg was named after Braxton Bragg, a Confederate general born in North Carolina who served during the Civil War.
The Army designated the installation with his name in 1918 and formalized it in 1922. That designation remained until June 2, 2023, when the base became Fort Liberty.
The renaming reflects modern federal policy, but the historical origin remains documented.
Fort Liberty now carries forward the mission once associated with Fort Bragg, while the former name remains part of military history.
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