Fort Bragg was named after Braxton Bragg, a Confederate general who served in the Civil War. The U.S. Army originally designated the installation in North Carolina in 1918, and it carried his name for more than a century before being renamed Fort Liberty in 2023.
As of February 13, 2026, the installation operates under the name Fort Liberty. However, many Americans continue to ask about the origin of the former name. Here is a clear, factual explanation of who Braxton Bragg was and why the Army named the base after him.
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Fort Bragg Was Named After Braxton Bragg
Fort Bragg took its name from General Braxton Bragg, who served as a senior officer in the Confederate States Army during the Civil War.
The War Department established Camp Bragg in 1918 during World War I as an artillery training ground in North Carolina. In 1922, the Army redesignated the site as Fort Bragg.
At that time, naming military installations after Confederate officers was common in the South. The practice reflected political and regional influences during the early 20th century.
Who Was Braxton Bragg?
Braxton Bragg was born on March 22, 1817, in Warrenton, North Carolina.
Before the Civil War, he served in the United States Army. He graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1837. Bragg fought in the Second Seminole War and the Mexican-American War.
When the Civil War began in 1861, Bragg resigned from the U.S. Army and joined the Confederate States Army.
He eventually became a full general and commanded the Army of Tennessee.
Braxton Bragg’s Role in the Civil War
During the Civil War, Braxton Bragg led Confederate forces in several major battles, including:
- The Battle of Shiloh (1862)
- The Battle of Perryville (1862)
- The Battle of Stones River (1862–1863)
- The Battle of Chickamauga (1863)
His leadership remains controversial among historians. Some accounts criticize his battlefield decisions and internal conflicts with subordinate officers.
Despite those criticisms, Southern leaders during the early 20th century regarded him as a notable military figure.
Why the Army Named the Base After Him
The U.S. War Department established Camp Bragg in 1918 as part of World War I mobilization efforts.
The Army chose the name to honor Braxton Bragg, who was a North Carolina native and an artillery officer. At the time, many Southern bases received names tied to Confederate officers.
In 1922, the Army redesignated the installation as Fort Bragg, making the name permanent.
The naming reflected political dynamics of that era rather than modern standards.
The Installation’s Growth Under the Name Fort Bragg
For over 100 years, Fort Bragg became one of the most important Army installations in the country.
The base served as headquarters for:
- XVIII Airborne Corps
- 82nd Airborne Division
- U.S. Army Special Operations Command
Fort Bragg grew into a global symbol of airborne operations and rapid deployment readiness.
Even after the renaming in 2023, many veterans still associate the installation with its former name due to decades of service history.
Renaming of Fort Bragg in 2023
In 2021, Congress passed legislation requiring the Department of Defense to remove Confederate-linked names from military assets.
The Naming Commission reviewed installations and submitted recommendations for new names.
On June 2, 2023, the Army officially renamed Fort Bragg to Fort Liberty.
As of 2026, Fort Liberty remains the installation’s official name.
The renaming marked the end of the Fort Bragg designation that had existed since 1922.
Other Installations Named After Confederate Officers
Fort Bragg was not the only installation named after a Confederate leader.
Under the same congressional directive, the Army renamed several bases, including:
| 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 |
The Department of Defense completed all required renamings by the end of 2023.
Braxton Bragg’s Legacy
Braxton Bragg remains a controversial historical figure.
He served the Confederate States Army, which fought against the United States during the Civil War. His leadership record includes both tactical successes and widely criticized decisions.
The decision to name installations after Confederate officers reflected early 20th-century policies. Modern federal standards no longer support honoring Confederate leaders on active military bases.
Today, the installation formerly known as Fort Bragg operates under a name that reflects a broader national value rather than a specific individual.
Why People Still Ask Who Fort Bragg Was Named After
Even after the renaming to Fort Liberty, many Americans continue to search for information about the original name.
Several factors explain this ongoing interest:
- Veterans who served there remember it as Fort Bragg.
- Historical records reference the former name.
- Public discussions about military renaming remain active.
Understanding the origin provides context for the 2023 name change.
Current Status in 2026
As of February 13, 2026:
- The installation is officially named Fort Liberty.
- Braxton Bragg’s name no longer appears in official Army designations.
- Historical records continue to document the former name.
The question “who was Fort Bragg named after” refers to a historical designation that ended in 2023.
Clear Answer
To answer directly: Who was Fort Bragg named after?
Fort Bragg was named after Braxton Bragg, a Confederate general from North Carolina who served in the Civil War.
The Army adopted his name in 1918 and made it permanent in 1922. The installation carried that name until June 2, 2023, when it became Fort Liberty.
Fort Liberty continues to serve as one of the most significant Army installations in the United States, even though the Fort Bragg name is now part of history.
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