The historic military installation in Georgia is set to reclaim the name Fort Benning, this time in honor of an 18-year-old World War I hero rather than a Confederate general. A ceremony was scheduled to take place at the base near Columbus to officially mark this transition. Fort Benning, home to around 70,000 soldiers, civilian employees, and military families, is a vital training hub for infantry troops and tank crews and houses the esteemed Army Ranger School.
This marks the second time in less than two years that the name of the post has been changed. In 2023, it was renamed Fort Moore, aligning with a Congressional initiative started in 2020 during President Joe Biden’s administration. The directive aimed to eliminate names honoring Confederate leaders from nine Army posts. Initially named after Henry L. Benning, a former Georgia Supreme Court justice and Confederate brigadier general, the base had carried his name since opening as Camp Benning in 1918. Federal law now prohibits the naming of military bases after Confederate figures.
Under President Donald Trump, the Pentagon has devised a solution to restore previous base names by honoring different individuals sharing the same last name. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the change to honor Fred Benning, a World War I corporal awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his bravery. Fred Benning returned to Nebraska, where he became a bakery owner and served as mayor of Neligh before passing away in 1974.
During its brief period as Fort Moore, the installation was named after Lt. Gen. Hal Moore and his wife, Julia Moore. Hal Moore was a Vietnam War commander and Distinguished Service Cross recipient, while Julia Moore was instrumental in changing Pentagon policy to ensure families received war casualty notifications in person. Secretary Hegseth has instructed the Army to find new ways to honor the Moores’ contributions.
The cost of reverting to the name Fort Benning remains undisclosed, though an Army commission in 2022 estimated the previous change to Fort Moore at a minimum of $4.9 million. Fort Benning is the second U.S. military base to revert its 2023 name change, following Fort Bragg in North Carolina, which was renamed from Fort Liberty.
The Impact of the Name Change
Restoring the name Fort Benning reflects broader societal shifts in how history is remembered and commemorated. For the local community and military personnel stationed there, the change signals ongoing efforts to reconcile the past with present values. By honoring World War I hero Fred Benning, the base acknowledges the contributions of those who have served valiantly, offering a renewed sense of pride and respect.
For military families and personnel, these name changes underscore the fluidity of historical narratives and the importance of aligning them with contemporary ideals. The base, having previously borne the name Fort Moore, which honored both a decorated general and his influential wife, continues to serve as a testament to the evolving recognition of diverse contributions within military history. As the community adapts to these changes, there remains an opportunity to reflect on the legacy and achievements of those who have shaped Fort Benning’s storied past.