The History of Fort Bragg

Fort Bragg has a long and proud history that dates back to the Revolutionary War. Located on the banks of the Cape Fear River near Fayetteville, North Carolina, the area was first established in 1756 by members of the British Army during the French and Indian War. During the Revolutionary War, the fort was used to protect the nearby towns of Fayetteville, Elizabethtown, and Cross Creek. After the war, it was abandoned and fell into disrepair. In 1838, the US Army established a new military post at Fort Bragg, which became a major base during the Civil War. It was home to the 2nd North Carolina Infantry Regiment and the 2nd North Carolina Cavalry Regiment, and it was the site of numerous battles during the war, including the Battle of Averasboro in 1865. In 1918, the US Army purchased the land and established a new base, naming it after Confederate General Braxton Bragg. During World War I, the base served as a training camp for the Army’s 82nd Division. During World War II, Fort Bragg was the home of the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions, and it became one of the largest military bases in the world. Today, Fort Bragg remains one of the largest military installations in the United States. It is home to the XVIII Airborne Corps, the 82nd Airborne Division, and the US Army Special Operations Command. The base is also home to a variety of other military units and organizations, including the US Army Reserve, the US Army Special Forces, and the US Army Rangers. Fort Bragg is an important part of the history of North Carolina and the United States, and it continues to play a vital role in the nation’s defense. It is a symbol of courage and bravery for those who have served and continue to serve in the US military.