What was Fort Bragg renamed? Fort Bragg was officially renamed Fort Liberty in 2023, and as of February 13, 2026, the installation continues to operate under the name Fort Liberty.
The U.S. Army formally changed the name on June 2, 2023, following a congressional directive requiring the Department of Defense to remove Confederate-linked names from military installations. The North Carolina base, one of the largest military installations in the world, no longer carries the name of Confederate General Braxton Bragg.
Here is a complete breakdown of the renaming, why it happened, and the current status.
Table of Contents
Fort Bragg Is Now Fort Liberty
Fort Bragg, located in North Carolina near Fayetteville, officially became Fort Liberty on June 2, 2023.
The name change followed recommendations from the Naming Commission, an independent panel created by Congress in the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The commission reviewed military assets named after Confederate figures and proposed new names aligned with U.S. values and military history.
The Department of Defense approved the recommendation, and the Army executed the change in 2023.
As of today, the base remains Fort Liberty.
Why Was Fort Bragg Renamed?
Fort Bragg was originally named in 1918 after Braxton Bragg, a Confederate general who served in the Civil War.
In 2020, national discussions intensified regarding military installations named after Confederate leaders. Congress later mandated a review process.
The 2021 NDAA required the Department of Defense to:
- Identify military assets named after Confederate figures
- Recommend new names
- Complete the renaming process by the end of 2023
Fort Bragg was among nine Army installations included in the directive.
Official Renaming Date
The renaming ceremony took place on June 2, 2023.
The Army unveiled new signage and updated official documentation to reflect Fort Liberty. The installation’s branding, digital platforms, and administrative materials transitioned to the new name during that period.
By the end of 2023, the renaming process for all affected installations concluded.
What Is Fort Liberty?
Fort Liberty is a major U.S. Army installation in North Carolina.
It serves as headquarters for:
- XVIII Airborne Corps
- 82nd Airborne Division
- U.S. Army Special Operations Command
The base plays a central role in airborne and special operations training. It remains one of the largest military installations by population.
The name Fort Liberty reflects the Army’s stated intention to honor the value of liberty rather than a specific individual.
Other Bases Renamed Under the Same Directive
Fort Bragg was not the only installation renamed.
Here is a list of other Army bases renamed during the same process:
| 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 a formal review and approval process.
As of 2026, all new names remain in effect.
Economic and Operational Impact
Fort Liberty continues to serve as a key economic driver in North Carolina.
The installation supports:
- Tens of thousands of active-duty soldiers
- Civilian employees
- Military families
The name change did not alter the installation’s operational mission. Training schedules, command structures, and deployment responsibilities remained consistent.
Local governments and businesses adjusted signage and documentation during the transition period.
Public Response to the Name Change
The renaming generated varied reactions across the country.
Some supported the removal of Confederate-linked names from military bases. Others preferred maintaining historical names.
Despite differing views, the Department of Defense completed the directive within the required timeframe.
As of February 13, 2026, Fort Liberty remains the official and operational name.
Clarifying the Question: What Was Fort Bragg Renamed?
For readers asking directly, what was Fort Bragg renamed?
Fort Bragg was renamed Fort Liberty.
The change became official on June 2, 2023, and remains in effect today.
The installation no longer carries the name of Braxton Bragg.
Historical Context of the Installation
Fort Bragg was established in 1918 as a World War I artillery training site.
Over time, it expanded into one of the most strategically important Army bases in the United States.
The installation gained international recognition as:
- Home of the 82nd Airborne Division
- A major special operations hub
- A frequent deployment center for overseas missions
While the name has changed, the installation’s operational importance remains unchanged.
Current Signage and Official Usage
All official Army communications now refer to the installation as Fort Liberty.
This includes:
- Army press releases
- Base websites
- Recruitment materials
- Military orders
- Maps and signage
The transition process concluded in 2023, and no reversal has been announced as of 2026.
Ongoing Status in 2026
As of February 13, 2026:
- The installation operates under the name Fort Liberty.
- The renaming process remains complete.
- No new directive has altered the name.
The Department of Defense has not announced any changes to the installation’s designation since 2023.
Why the Question Still Trends
Searches for “what was Fort Bragg renamed” continue because:
- The base held its original name for over a century.
- Many veterans and service members still reference the former name.
- National discussions about historical symbols remain active.
For clarity, Fort Bragg is now Fort Liberty.
Fort Liberty continues to play a major role in U.S. military readiness and airborne operations.
Do you think renaming military installations helps modernize the armed forces, or do you prefer preserving historical names? Share your perspective and stay informed on official updates.
