National Infantry Museum facts for kids
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| Established | 2009 |
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| Location | 1775 Legacy Way, Columbus, Georgia 31903, United States |
| Visitors | 300,000+ per year |
The National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center is a large museum in Columbus, Georgia, located just outside the Fort Benning army base. Opened in June 2009, this huge 190,000-square-foot (18,000 m2) building tells the story of the United States Army's Infantry. The infantry is the main land combat force of the army, made up of soldiers who fight on foot.
The museum takes you on a journey through the history of these soldiers, from the American Revolution to today. You can see real objects from different time periods and explore fun, interactive exhibits. The museum also teaches about the important values of an infantry soldier, such as loyalty, duty, respect, honor, and courage.
Contents
What's Inside the Museum?
The National Infantry Museum is more than just galleries. It's a large campus with many different things to see and do.
Fun and Learning
- Giant Screen Theater: Watch movies on a massive screen.
- DownRange Combat Sims and Paradrop VR Simulator: Experience what it's like to be a soldier in combat or parachute from a plane using virtual reality.
- World War II Company Street: Walk through a recreated street with buildings from the 1940s.
- The Soldier Store Gift Shop: A place to buy souvenirs to remember your visit.
- The Fife and Drum Restaurant: A place to eat, but check the opening times before you go.
Halls of Honor and Memorials
- Halls of Fame: Special areas that honor brave soldiers from the Officer Candidate School and the Ranger Hall of Honor.
- Memorial Walk of Honor: A path dedicated to remembering soldiers.
- Vietnam Memorial Plaza: Features a large-scale copy of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall in Washington, D.C.
- Global War on Terrorism Memorial: Honors soldiers who have served since September 11, 2001.
Outdoor Areas
- Inouye Parade Field: A large field used for Army graduation ceremonies, which are open for the public to watch. The soil on this field is special, as it was brought from famous battlegrounds around the world.
- Heritage Walk: A path that tells the story of the Infantry's history.
Museum History and Funding
Before 2008, the museum was in a much smaller, older building. In 1998, a group called the National Infantry Foundation was created to raise money and build a new, better museum.
Today, the museum is a partnership between the foundation and the U.S. Army. It is free to enter because it does not use government money for its main operations. Instead, it relies on donations from visitors and money earned from its attractions, like the theater, simulators, and gift shop.
Featured Exhibits
The museum has several unique areas that bring history to life.
World War II Company Street
This exhibit is like stepping back in time to the 1940s. It features seven real buildings from Fort Benning that were used during World War II. You can tour a chapel, a barracks where soldiers slept, a mess hall where they ate, and even the office used by the famous General George S. Patton.
Global War on Terrorism Memorial
Dedicated in 2017, this powerful memorial honors the thousands of American service members who died in action after the 9/11 attacks. A key part of the memorial is a 13-foot steel beam from the wreckage of the World Trade Center in New York City.
Awards and Recognition
The National Infantry Museum is recognized as one of the best in the country.
- It won a Thea Award in 2011 for its excellent exhibits.
- It was voted the Best Free Museum in the United States by USA Today readers in 2016, 2020, and 2021.
- It has also received a Hall of Fame award from TripAdvisor for being consistently great.
Gallery
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Fort Benning Graduation at Inouye Field.
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Heritage Walk
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Propaganda Gallery
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"Infantry Operations in Iraq" Gallery
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A National Infantry Museum guide starts a presentation on the infantry's history
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