Tour of Fort Bragg

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Located outside the main gate of Fort Bragg, this is the point of entry for visitors to Fort Bragg's museums. Fort Bragg was first established in 1918 as Camp Bragg, named after North Carolina-native General Braxton Bragg of the Confederate Army. The location for the post was chosen as it provided the optimal environment conducive to military training at the time. Fort Bragg is the home of the Airborne and Special Operations Forces and includes the XVIII Airborne Corps, the 82nd Airborne Division, FORSCOM, and various Special Operations Commands and units. The fort is also home to several museums and other attractions that can be viewed by civilians with advance notice and a security screening. Like all active military installations, admission is limited to personnel who have a valid reason to be on the installation which includes civilians for special events and historical tours in coordination with security forces.

2. John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Museum

One of sixty-four museums operated by the United States Army, this museum includes exhibits related to the origins and history of the U.S. Army Special Forces, Civil Affairs, Psychological Operations, and predecessor organizations from the colonial period to the present. The museum is open to the public.

3. York Theater

York Theater is a multipurpose theater located on Fort Bragg that is named in honor of Corporal Alvin C. York for his bravery and heroism under fire during World War I. The theater is used by the 82nd Airborne Division for various functions. This is one of many sites on Fort Bragg named for a Medal of Honor recipient.

4. 82nd Airborne War Memorial Museum

The 82nd Airborne War Memorial Museum is dedicated to preserving and educating the public about the history of the division. It was founded in 1945 and features more than 5,600 feet of exhibit space. Exhibits start with the division's establishment (1917) and continue through today. All of the items on display are original; they were either used by division members or against them. The museum also features a theater and archive. Outside, there are several aircraft paratroopers have used since WWII as well as captured and used artillery pieces. A number of memorials are also located on the museum grounds.

5. Towle Stadium

Towle Stadium is an athletic field and gym complex on Fort Bragg NC. The Stadium is named for an 82nd Airborne Division Medal of Honor Recipient Private John R. Towle. The stadium has been recently renovated. It is also the site of a tragic mass shooting that claimed the lives of eighteen soldiers in 1995.

6. Pike FIeld

Pike Field is named for LTC Emory J. Pike. The field is mainly used for parades. Brigade Level Change of Command ceremonies along with static displays are very common occurrences on Pike Field. The Field is best known for the Division Pass and Review during All American Week

7. Pope Air Force Base Air Park

Pope Army Airfield is located at the northwest portion of Fort Bragg. Pope AAF used to be Pope Air Force Base. Pope AAF serves as a focal point of Airborne Operations at Fort Bragg. The airfield is run by the 43rd Air Lift Group and the 440th Airlift Wing. Some of the lasting lineage of Pope Air Force Base can be seen at the Pope Air Force Base Air Park.

8. Womack Army Medical Center

The Womack Army Medical Center is a military hospital under the command of the United States Army located on post at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. The hospital was originally called the Camp Bragg Base Hospital and was the first brick and mortar medical facility to be constructed on what was formerly known as Camp Bragg (now Fort Bragg). Presently named after Army Private First Class Bryant H. Womack, a native of Mill Spring, North Carolina, for his heroic efforts during the Korean War, the original site of the Camp Bragg Base Hospital is now the Bastogne Gables neighborhood and the present establishment is located just east of Ryder Golf Course. This medical facility currently treats approximately 200,000 soldiers, family members, and otherwise eligible patients annually in the largest beneficiary population in the United States Army.

9. Iron Mike

Sculpted in 1961, the "Iron Mike" statue is an iconic fixture in the Airborne and Special Operations Community. The statue stands for all Paratroopers past, present and future, and is often used in various logos and symbols for various organizations throughout the airborne community.

10. Fort Bragg Main Post Cemetery

Fort Bragg's Main Post Cemetery was established in 1918 and serves as the final resting place of American soldiers from World War I to the present along with a number of civilians and foreign soldiers who were held here as prisoners of war. Many of the first internees lost their lives in the influenza pandemic that came at the end of World War I.

This Tour is a Walking Tour.

Tour of Fort Bragg

Created by Clio Admin on August 6th 2018, 8:43:32 pm.

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Description

This tour starts at the Visitors Center where civilians need to make advance arrangements before entering Fort Bragg. The tour includes the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Museum, the 82nd Airborne Museum, and several historic buildings, parade grounds, and monuments such as Iron Mike. Like all active military installations, admission is limited to personnel who have a valid reason to be on the installation which includes civilians for special events and historical tours in coordination with security forces.

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Tour of Fort Bragg

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