South Nashville in Davidson County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

Fort Negley

Guarding the Southern Approaches

Photographed By Darren Jefferson Clay, May 19, 2024

1. Fort Negley Marker

Inscription. Throughout the occupation of Nashville, Federal gunboats dominated the Cumberland River. This made an overland attack from the south the Confederate States Army's most viable option. Late in 1862, the U.S. Army began constructing a complicated system of fortifications stretching from Hyde's Ferry to the Lebanon Pike. Fort Negley, with Blockhouse Casino and Fort Morton (both behind you), clustered around the Franklin Pike to protect the southern approaches to the city including roadways and rail lines.

In addition to protecting against attack, the establishment of these southern forts, connected by trenches, essentially created a secure pocket of "free soil" attractive to enslaved people throughout the region. Although exploited as a labor force, thousands of self-emancipated men, women, and children experienced freedom for the first time on the slopes below the forts.

This personal contact with former slaves convinced many soldiers to support abolition and the formation of regiments of United States Colored Troops.

Erected by Tennessee Civil War Trails.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Forts and Castles

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• War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Tennessee Civil War Trails series list.

Location. 36° 8.59′ N, 86° 46.523′ W. Marker is in Nashville, Tennessee, in Davidson County. It is in South Nashville. Marker is on Fort Negley Boulevard north of Chestnut Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1100 Fort Negley Blvd, Nashville TN 37203, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. War in the West (a few steps from this marker); The Civil War (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Fort Negley (within shouting distance of this marker); The Road to War (within shouting distance of this marker); War in the West: Battles and Campaigns (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Negley Site (within shouting distance of this marker); Nashville Surrendered (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Peach Orchard Hill (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Nashville.

Also see . . . Fort Negley Visitors Center and Park. Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, Tennessee (Submitted on May 20, 2024.)

Photographed By Darren Jefferson Clay, May 19, 2024

2. Fort Negley Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on May 20, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 19, 2024, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. This page has been viewed 47 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 19, 2024, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.