The renaming of Fort Liberty back to Fort Bragg raising questions to residents in the CSRA for Fort Eisenhower
That announcement about the renaming of Fort Liberty back to Fort Bragg came this week. And it's got people in our area wondering whether Fort Eisenhower's name could be changed again.
Fort Bragg was originally named for Confederate General Braxton Bragg. The new name is for a different Bragg — Private First-Class Roland Bragg – -who served during World War Two.
'This wasn't something that the current president promised like he did with the renaming of Fort Bragg, and then the Secretary executed that,' said Dr. Tom Clark, Executive Director of Alliance for Fort Eisenhower.
Fort Gordon was originally named after John Brown Gordon — a major general in the Confederate Army. It changed its name to Fort Eisenhower during that 2023 group of name changes – honoring the former President's rich history in the Augusta area. Clark does not foresee the name changing back.
'I really don't think they are going to rename back to Gordon, I think the community has embraced the name,' said Clark.
Some people I spoke to wish the name would have just stayed Fort Gordon.
'Honestly, I didn't see the point in changing it in the first place. I think history is history. If it was Fort Gordon, it's Fort Gordon, 'said Samuel Dale, a resident. 'If they change it back good on them.'
Others didn't mind the change and think it could get costly if Fort Eisenhower were to go back to its original name.
'Everybody was making a big deal about names. I didn't know anything about the previous names or historical background or anything. So, for me, it didn't really bother me that much, and as far as going back, I really could care less,' said Shawn Campbell, a resident. 'It's very expensive doing that, and so maybe they should just stick with what they've got.'
For now, there is no indication from the Department of Defense that Fort Eisenhower could change its name. But it's safe to say the change at Fort Bragg has people in our area talking.
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