With its modern visitor center filled with exhibits, Fort Negley Park makes Nashville’s rich history quite visible. The ruins of this hilltop fort provide insights into its past glory. Pick up a site map from the mailbox behind the stone gates and embark on a self-guided tour during your visit to Fort Negley Park.
Study the displays in the impressive visitor center to learn about the 19th-century U.S. Civil War and Fort Negley’s role in it. The impressive size and artillery of this Union Army stronghold is thought to have deterred attacks by Confederates. Note that the fortress was constructed mostly by runaway and freed slaves.
Enjoy a picnic with your family beside the fort’s remains and consider the importance of this spot. Let your little ones run on the grass around the hilltop ruins, avoiding any of the fort’s visible rock structure.
In the visitor center, watch the two 20-minute films about the history of the fortress and its role in the war. The city was surrendered to Union forces in 1862 and the fort was built as part of a long defensive line. Use interactive touch screens to teach your kids about the history.
For a change of scenery, explore the milkweed garden to see vegetation native to Tennessee and popular with monarch butterflies. The park also has a fossil collections area showing coral from the time this was an undersea area. Note that the park was allegedly used by the Ku Klux Klan when the Nashville Den disbanded soon after the Civil War.
Visit the grounds during open hours each day from dawn until dusk. The visitor center opens Tuesday through Saturday and by appointment.
Fort Negley Park lies between the districts of Chestnut Hill and Edgehill in the southern part of Nashville. Travel by bus from the city center to the Fort Negley stop and walk about 2 minutes to get here.
While in this part of the city, ensure you see surrounding sights such as the Adventure Science Center, Belmont Mansion and Rose Park.
