National Infantry Museum

National Infantry Museum. The National Infantry Museum is a major museum and heritage site dedicated to preserving the history and honoring the legacy of the United States Army infantryman. Located adjacent to Fort Benning in Columbus, Georgia, it serves as the official museum of the U.S. Army Infantry Branch. The institution's mission encompasses education, training support, and paying tribute to the service and sacrifices of infantry soldiers from the American Revolutionary War to contemporary conflicts.

History

The concept for a centralized museum honoring the Infantry was championed for decades by veterans and leaders within the United States Army Center of Military History. Planning and major fundraising efforts coalesced in the early 2000s under the auspices of the National Infantry Foundation. The museum's construction was a significant public-private partnership, with groundbreaking occurring in 2007. It opened to the public on June 19, 2009, in a ceremony attended by senior military officials including the Chief of Staff of the United States Army and numerous Congressional Medal of Honor recipients. The site was strategically chosen for its proximity to the Home of the Infantry at Fort Benning, one of the United States Army Training and Doctrine Command's premier installations.

Exhibits and galleries

The museum's extensive collections are presented across numerous immersive galleries arranged in chronological order. Exhibits begin with the American Revolutionary War and proceed through key conflicts including the War of 1812, the American Civil War, and both World War I and World War II. The Korean War and Vietnam War galleries lead into modern-era displays covering operations like Operation Desert Storm and the Global War on Terrorism. A central feature is the "Last 100 Yards" ramp, a symbolic journey depicting the final assault of infantry soldiers. Other significant exhibits include the Fort Benning Gallery, which details the history of the adjacent post, and the Soldier's Circle, which honors recipients of the Medal of Honor. The museum also houses an IMAX theatre and hosts rotating temporary exhibitions.

National Infantry Foundation

The National Infantry Foundation is the non-profit, philanthropic organization responsible for the museum's creation, ongoing development, and financial support. Established in 1998, the foundation's board includes prominent business leaders, retired senior military officers such as former commanders of the United States Army Infantry School, and community advocates. Its primary mission is to fund capital projects, acquire artifacts, and develop new educational programs beyond the scope of federal appropriations. The foundation works closely with the United States Army and the Georgia Department of Economic Development to ensure the museum fulfills its role as a national resource for soldier training and public education.

Location and facilities

The museum is situated on a 200-acre site at the entrance to Fort Benning in Columbus, Georgia, part of the Chattahoochee River Valley. The main building encompasses over 190,000 square feet of space, including exhibit halls, archival storage, and a large special events venue. The surrounding grounds feature the memorial walk of the Soldier's Circle, the authentic World War II-era Fryar Drop Zone commemorative plaza, and a park with historic equipment like an M4 Sherman tank. Its location is integral to its function, allowing direct support for training and ceremonial events for units stationed at Fort Benning, including the 198th Infantry Brigade.

Recognition and awards

Since its opening, the institution has received significant acclaim from both the museum profession and the military community. It was awarded the prestigious Army Superior Civilian Service Award for its contribution to soldier morale and heritage. The museum is also an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, facilitating artifact loans and scholarly collaboration. It has been recognized by the American Alliance of Museums for its high standards of curation and public engagement. Travel publications such as USA Today and TripAdvisor have consistently rated it among the top military museums and attractions in the United States.

Category:Museums in Georgia (U.S. state) Category:Military and war museums in the United States Category:United States Army museums Category:Buildings and structures in Columbus, Georgia Category:2009 establishments in Georgia (U.S. state)