Fort Negley Reaches 155 Year Milestone

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Saturday marked 155 years since the construction of Fort Negley, a Union stronghold in the Civil War-era that was built by conscripted African Americans.

Historians said they believe there were 2,771 men and women who helped construct the fort. Even though they were promised pay, many were forced to work in harsh conditions. Saturday, American flags could be seen planted into the grounds of the park’s front lawn for every conscript.