Monumental Changes to Historic Fort Negley Begin This Week

Phase One construction to the city's historic Fort Negley kicked off today with a briefing and renewal celebration sponsored by Metro Parks and Friends of Fort Negley. The long- awaited construction will result in significant and meaningful changes to the facility which is known and venerated by historians, history buffs, and teachers throughout the nation.

Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell said "Today we take an important step forward today in preserving our history and embracing our identity. Here, we honor the descendants of the Bass Community and the many people who battled to elevate their story. We're reclaiming a site of battle and bondage for a different, brighter future."

The $11 million dollar Phase 1 construction project is anticipated to take 12-14 months with completion expected in early 2027. The first phase of this project includes an archaeological investigation at the site of the historic Bass Street Community along with a public history component as well as a large-scale mural designed and installed by a local artist. In addition, professional archaeologists will be on site throughout to monitor activities, minimize impact on historic resources, and document any artifacts and features uncovered.

"Today marks a new chapter for Fort Negley Park. We're grateful for the city's investment to honor Fort Negley's full history and strengthen the park as a place to reflect and gather for generations to come," stated Benjamin Eagles, President of Friends of Fort Negley.

Phase One of this much-anticipated project includes: removal of the old Greer Stadium parking lots and restoration of the eastern hillside with locally native grasses; shifting the primary visitor and vehicular entrance to the park from Fort Negley Boulevard to Chestnut Street; construction of a memorial lawn with a contemplative plaza, linked to the Visitor Center by a grand staircase and promenade; significant enhancements to the fort itself, including accessible walking paths and a new overlook structure; and, educational, interpretive, and wayfinding installations weaving stories throughout the site.

Davidson County Historian and TSU Professor Dr. Learotha Williams, said, "This project and specifically the new memorial lawn will honor all those who came here during the Civil War and, through their service and sacrifice, compelled the city and the nation to redefine citizenship and the meaning of freedom in America."

Construction of the original fort started 144 years ago in August of 1862 and was largely finished in December of that same year. It was built by a largely African American workforce of approximately 5000 who were underfed, mostly unquartered, and largely unpaid.

After the war, the Fort was abandoned by the Army. Mustered out soldiers with the United States Colored Troops, and the civilian workers that supported the fort settled in the area and formed what became some of Nashville's first Black neighborhoods - Rocktown, Bass Street, and Edgehill. Those neighborhoods were ultimately displaced by the construction of the Interstate Highways and Urban Renewal programs in the 1960s. The park was renovated in 2004 and the Visitors Center opened in 2007.

"This project reflects our commitment to preserving history while ensuring this space remains accessible, educational, and welcoming to all Nashvillians. As our city continues to grow and evolve, protecting places like this becomes even more important. They ground us. They challenge us. And they connect us to one another," said Metro Parks Director Monique Horton Odom.

There has been a considerable amount of archaeology conducted on the site in the last 40 years. No evidence of remaining graves has ever been found. However, both the Parks Department and the Friends of Fort Negley are committed to honoring any findings of the archaeological investigation at Bass Street and at the Fort.

About Metro Parks

It is the mission of Metro Parks and Recreation to sustainably and equitably provide everyone in Nashville with an inviting network of parks and greenways that offer health, wellness and quality of life through recreation, conservation and community. The department offers a variety of facilities and programs throughout Davidson County. Currently, Metro Park oversees approximately 16,000 acres of open space, including 189 parks and 110 miles of greenway.

About Friends of Fort Negley

Organized in 2013, the Friends of Fort Negley supports education and preservation programs and advocates for the protection of greenspace at Fort Negley Park.