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Fort Bragg

Fayetteville's biggest neighbor is something we're proud of. Yes, we brag about Fort Bragg. We are proud that our county is the site of the largest military installation in the world.

From the giant statue of "Iron Mike," monument to all American paratroopers to the desolate drop zones far to the west, Fort Bragg offers a fascinating insight into our nation's state of military readiness.

Twelve miles northwest of the city, Fort Bragg has it's own highly specialized role in America's modern military arsenals. The base and its companion base, Pope AFB have an overwhelming economic impact on Fayetteville and Cumberland County. Fort Bragg brings 175,000 employees and dependents and an economic impact of nearly $4 billion annually. Fort Bragg is similar to a city because it has its own mall, schools, hospitals, homes, utility works and entertainment facilities.

Fort Bragg, established as a field artillery base in 1918 with a congressional allotment of $14.5 million, had fewer than 5,000 people when the United States geared up for entry into World War II. Between 1940 and 1942, the population exploded to more than 100,000.

Today, Fort Bragg is headquarters of the XVIII Airborne Corps and the home of America's "Guard of Honor," the 82nd Airborne Division. It is also home of the U.S. Army Special Operations Command Headquarters and the Army's Golden Knights.

The post's real importance surfaced during World War II when it served as a training ground for all five Airborne Divisions. Through Vietnam, Grenada, Panama, and Operation Desert Storm, its disciplined soldiers have defended the interests of the United States proudly and bravely.

The readers of Army Times magazine recently selected Ft. Bragg as the Army's "Best Post." Click here to read the full story on this award.

Click here to see a map of Ft. Bragg

Click here to visit the official Fort Bragg web site.