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 cool museum in Columbus, Georgia. It's right next to Fort Moore, which used to be called Fort Benning. This huge museum, about 190,000-square-foot (18,000 m2) big, first opened its doors in June 2009.
The museum tells the amazing story of the United States Army Infantry. This includes soldiers from the American Revolution all the way to today's operations. You can see real items from different times in American history. There are also fun, interactive exhibits to explore. The museum really focuses on important values like loyalty, duty, respect, and courage.
Discover the National Infantry Museum
The National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center has many exciting things to see. It's not just galleries; there are special areas and attractions too.
Special Halls of Honor
- Officer Candidate School (OCS) Hall of Honor: This area celebrates soldiers who became officers.
- OCS Hall of Fame: It highlights the best of the best from the OCS.
- Ranger Hall of Honor: This honors brave United States Army Rangers.
- Ranger Hall of Fame: Here you'll find famous Rangers.
Fun Attractions and Experiences
- DownRange Combat Sims and Paradrop VR Simulator: Try out cool virtual reality experiences.
- The Fife and Drum Restaurant: Grab a bite to eat (check for opening times).
- Giant Screen Theater: Watch exciting films on a huge screen.
- Heritage Walk: Take a walk through history outdoors.
- Inouye Parade Field: A special field used for ceremonies.
- Memorial Walk of Honor: A place to remember heroes.
- Vietnam Memorial Plaza: A tribute to those who served in Vietnam.
- Global War on Terrorism Memorial: A memorial for recent conflicts.
- The Soldier Store Gift Shop: Find souvenirs and gifts.
- World War II Company Street: Step back in time to the 1940s.
How the Museum Started and is Funded
Before 2009, the museum was in an old hospital building. It wasn't big enough for all the cool things they had. So, in 1998, a group called the National Infantry Foundation was created. They worked hard to plan and raise money for this new, bigger museum.
The museum doesn't get money from the government. It relies on donations from people and groups. It also earns money from things like the Giant Screen Theater and the gift shop. This helps cover the costs of running the museum. The best part is, there's no admission fee to get in!
Explore the Museum Campus
The museum is on a big 155-acre campus right next to Fort Moore. This campus has some very special spots.
Inouye Field and Graduations
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The campus includes Inouye Field. This field is unique because it has soil from famous battlegrounds around the world. These include places like Yorktown, Normandy, and Vietnam. There's also a large stadium with 2,100 seats. This is where Army trainees have their graduation ceremonies. Anyone can come and watch these special events.
World War II Company Street
The World War II Company Street is a collection of seven buildings. They were built at Fort Benning between 1940 and 1942. These buildings have been fixed up to look just like they did in the 1940s. You can take tours on weekends or by special arrangement. The buildings include a chapel, barracks (where soldiers slept), a mess hall (where they ate), and even the sleeping quarters used by General George Patton! He stayed here before going to North Africa in 1942.
Vietnam Memorial Plaza
The Vietnam Memorial Plaza has a special replica of the Vietnam Wall. This wall is similar to the famous one in Washington, D.C., but it's a bit smaller. It's a place to remember those who served in the Vietnam War.
Global War on Terrorism Memorial
The Global War on Terrorism Memorial was opened in October 2017. It lists the names of over 7,000 soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines. These brave individuals lost their lives since September 11, 2001. A powerful part of the memorial is a 13-foot steel beam. This beam came from the wreckage of the World Trade Center in New York City.
Awards and Recognition
The National Infantry Museum has won several awards for being an excellent museum. In 2011, it received a Thea Award. It was also named USA Today's "Best Free Museum" in 2016, 2020, and 2021. TripAdvisor also recognized it for its continued excellence.
Images for kids
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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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