National Infantry Museum | Columbus City

The National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center in Columbus, Georgia, is a premier military museum dedicated exclusively to preserving and honoring the history, heritage, and legacy of the United States Army Infantry. It stands as the only museum in the nation solely focused on the Infantry, emphasizing the critical role infantry soldiers have played in shaping American military history. Strategically located adjacent to Fort Moore (formerly Fort Benning), one of the U.S. Army’s primary training bases for infantry and airborne soldiers, the museum offers a comprehensive, immersive experience spanning 190,000 square feet on a sprawling 200-acre campus.

Architectural and Campus Overview

The museum’s impressive facility combines modern architecture with thoughtful design elements that evoke military tradition and battlefield realism. The building itself houses multiple expansive galleries, theaters, interactive exhibits, and memorial spaces, while the surrounding grounds feature outdoor exhibits and ceremonial areas that enhance the storytelling experience. The campus is carefully landscaped and maintained, incorporating elements of historic battlefield terrain and military training fields.

Core Exhibits and Galleries

1. The Last 100 Yards Exhibit
This centerpiece exhibit serves as the museum’s emotional and narrative heart. The "Last 100 Yards" is a symbolic phrase representing the critical final stretch infantry soldiers must secure during combat. The exhibit recreates vivid, life-sized dioramas that transport visitors into significant battles across American history, including the Revolutionary War, Civil War, World Wars, Vietnam War, and modern conflicts such as Iraq and Afghanistan. These scenes use multimedia, sound effects, realistic props, and mannequins in authentic uniforms to immerse visitors fully in the experience of infantry combat and soldier life.

2. Era Galleries
Chronologically arranged, these galleries cover major periods of American military history, providing historical context, artifacts, and personal stories of soldiers:

World War I: Features recreated trench warfare environments, period weaponry, and stories of infantrymen’s grueling conditions.

World War II: Highlights both European and Pacific theaters with authentic uniforms, weapons, letters, and equipment, along with a tribute to General George Patton’s leadership.

Cold War and Korean War: Focuses on technological advancements, tactical changes, and the challenges of a new kind of warfare.

Global War on Terrorism: Showcases modern infantry tactics, gear, and the evolving battlefield faced by soldiers in Iraq, Afghanistan, and beyond.

3. Hall of Valor
This solemn and inspiring space honors nearly 1,500 infantrymen awarded the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military decoration. The Hall features etched plaques, interactive displays, and personal stories celebrating extraordinary acts of bravery and sacrifice, serving as a powerful reminder of the courage inherent in infantry service.

4. World War II Company Street
An outdoor living-history exhibit recreates a 1940s-era infantry camp with seven authentic and restored buildings, including barracks, a chapel, mess hall, and General Patton’s headquarters. Visitors can explore this “Company Street” to gain insight into daily life for soldiers preparing for combat during World War II.

Interactive and Multimedia Attractions

Giant Screen Theater: The museum features a five-story tall 3D laser projection theater, one of the largest in the Southeast, where visitors can watch immersive films about military history, training, and heroism.

Virtual Reality Center: Advanced VR experiences simulate infantry missions, such as parachute jumps and combat scenarios, allowing visitors to understand the physical and mental demands faced by soldiers.

DownRange Combat Simulators: These state-of-the-art simulators provide realistic combat training exercises, offering a hands-on understanding of infantry tactics and marksmanship in a safe, controlled environment.

Memorials and Outdoor Spaces

The museum grounds include significant memorial installations that honor soldiers’ service and sacrifice:

Global War on Terrorism Memorial: Featuring a 13-foot steel beam salvaged from the World Trade Center, this memorial pays tribute to service members killed in post-9/11 conflicts.

Vietnam Memorial Plaza: A scaled replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., commemorates those who served and sacrificed in the Vietnam War.

Heritage Walk: Lined with flags representing all 50 states and engraved bricks honoring veterans and supporters, this walkway connects various memorials and museum entrances.

Inouye Parade Field: A ceremonial five-acre parade ground used for Army graduation events, symbolically enhanced with soil collected from historic battlefields like Normandy and Antietam, underscoring the continuity of infantry traditions.

Visitor Amenities

Fife and Drum Restaurant: Offers visitors a comfortable dining experience with classic American cuisine, decorated in a style reflecting military heritage and patriotism.

Soldier Store: The museum’s gift shop provides a broad selection of military-themed merchandise, from apparel and books to collectibles and memorabilia, allowing visitors to take home a tangible piece of history.

Educational Programs: The museum hosts a variety of educational tours, special events, and living history demonstrations designed to engage schools, veterans groups, and families.

Operational Details

The National Infantry Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It remains closed on Mondays and certain holidays.

Admission is free, though donations are encouraged to support the museum’s upkeep and programming.

Located at 1775 Legacy Way, Columbus, GA 31903, it is easily accessible from Fort Moore and central Columbus.

Significance and Experience

The National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center stands as a national treasure that educates the public about the infantry’s vital role in defending the nation. Through its extensive collection of artifacts, interactive technology, and evocative memorials, it honors the courage, sacrifice, and enduring spirit of infantry soldiers past and present.

Visitors gain a profound appreciation for the complexities of infantry warfare, the evolution of military technology, and the personal stories behind the history. The museum provides an inspiring, educational, and emotionally moving experience for veterans, military families, history enthusiasts, and the general public alike.

Its combination of large-scale exhibits, immersive environments, and outdoor historical spaces makes it not only a museum but a living tribute to the backbone of the U.S. Army: the Infantry.