National Infantry Museum

10/14/2026

🇺🇸 Every Veteran Has a Story Worth Preserving!

Join Columbus State University and the Library of Congress for a special opportunity to help preserve the stories and experiences of those who served our nation.

📅 October 20–21, 2026

🎖️ Tuesday, October 20
Two FREE Oral History Workshops!
⏰ Session 1: 12:00–1:30 PM
📍 Simon Schwob Memorial Library, CSU Main Campus

⏰ Session 2: 6:00–7:00 PM
📍 Frank Brown Hall, Room 1304

🎤 Wednesday, October 21
Put what you've learned into action with a guided interview at CSU's Simon Schwob Memorial Library!

Whether you're a veteran, a family member, or someone passionate about preserving military history, this is your chance to help keep these important stories alive for future generations.

📲 Scan the QR code on the flyer to learn more!

10/13/2026

After nearly 40 years, Mr. Richard Dunn, author of the 1990 “Narrow Gauger to No Man’s Land” and expert on narrow-gauge train operations presented the National Infantry Museum with newly cast foundry data plates for the last remaining of our “Chattahoochee Choo Choo” locomotives.

This Narrow-Gauge railway ran for about 27 years on Ft Benning and at its height during World War II these “Little Trains” moved nearly 2000 Soldiers a day out to the ranges and back. After the railway ceased to operation in 1946, one locomotive was selected to be monument to the important role these “Little Trains” had in not only building the post, but for helping to train generations of Infantry Soldiers. Soon, after the locomotive when on outdoor exhibit, its official serial number data plates went missing and for the past 80years people have speculated at to which locomotive was really at the National Infantry Museum.

After years of research, the serial number identification of the Museum’s Davenport-built Army 2-6-2T Steam Locomotive has been confirmed and it will soon once-again wear its correct serial numbered foundry data plate. The Museum is preparing now for this important artifact’s next restoration and repainting, which being planned of the late spring to next year. As part of this restoration effort, the “Chattahoochee Choo Choo” will proudly wear the serial number for locomotive “Q.M.C. U.S.A. #6”


Caption: a 1941 shot of Q.M.C. U.S.A. #6 pulling out of the main post rail yard. Notice the foundry plate on the leading edge of the Locomotive’s water tank.

10/13/2026

13-14 OCTOBER 1864
MOSBY’S GREENBACK RAID, NEAR HARPERS FERRY, WV [CIVIL WAR]

On the night of 13–14 October 1864, Confederate Lt. Col. John Singleton Mosby led approximately eighty of his Partisan Rangers on a raid against the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad west of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia.

Near Duffield’s Station, eleven miles west of Harper’s Ferry, Mosby’s Rangers removed a section of rail and waited for a westbound passenger train. At 0230hrs on 14 October, an eight-car passenger train from Baltimore reached the cut on the railway and derailed. Mosbyand his men quickly boarded the railcars, overwhelmed resistance, and seized money and valuables. After removing the passengers, Mosby’s men burned the train and withdrew. Their most valuable prize was approximately $173,000 in United States currency intended for Army payrolls, giving the operation its nickname, the “Greenback Raid.” Mosby subsequently divided the captured money among the participating Rangers, refusing to take any of the money for himself.

The raid exposed the vulnerability of Union communications supporting Major General Philip Sheridan’s Shenandoah Valley campaign and prompted additional railroad security measures. It also clearly demonstrated how a small, mounted force could disrupt transportation and divert Union military resources.

Stop by the National Infantry Museum today to learn more about American Civil War!

10/11/2026

10 OCTOBER 2003
TASK FORCE GERONIMO DEPLOYS TO AFGHANISTAN [OEF]

On 10 October 2003, Task Force Geronimo deployed from Alaska to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Built around 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment (1-501st PIR), the Task Force [TF] operated under Combined Joint Task Force 180 and supported the 1st Brigade, 10th Mountain Division.

Its movement into theater combined a helicopter assault from Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan, to Bagram Airbase in Afghanistan, with a ground convoy from Bagram to Forward Operating Base Salerno near Khost, close to Afghanistan’s eastern border with Pakistan. Over the following weeks, American Paratroopers from TF Geronimo assumed responsibility of the battlespace from the Italian Army and expanded FOB Salerno’s defensive capabilities, to include the addition of six M119 105mm howitzers. TF Geronimo’s initial mission was to conduct combat and reconnaissance operations in the eastern border regions, including securing and opening the Khowst-Gardez Pass, also known as "Ambush Alley.”

TF Geronimo’s deployment strengthened the coalition’s presence in eastern Afghanistan and positioned them for subsequent combat operations against Taliban insurgents, illustrating the importance of Infantry, Artillery, and sustained logistical support in a demanding and austere mountainous environment.

Plan to visit the National Infantry Museum to learn more about the role of the United States Army Infantry during combat operations in Afghanistan during the Global War on Terrorism – I am the Infantry! FOLLOW ME!

10/09/2026

09 OCTOBER 1779
SECOND BATTLE OF SAVANNAH [REVOLUTIONARY WAR]

On 09 October 1779, a combined American and French force launched a major assault against British defenses at Savannah, Georgia, during an effort to recapture the city. American troops under Maj. Gen. Benjamin Lincoln fought alongside French forces commanded by Vice Adm. Charles-Henri d’Estaing.

The siege against the British in Savannah had actually begun on 12 September when Estaing had begun landing his forces below the city. From 03 October to 08 October, he used cannons offloaded from his ships to bombard Savannah, killing countless civilians within the city. With supplies running low for his men and ships, he changed his mind & decided to attack rather than continuing the siege.

Against the advice of most of his fellow Officers, on 09 October, Estaing began his attack, focusing on the Spring Hill Redoubt, but fog, difficult terrain, poor reconnaissance, and strong British defenses disrupted the advance. Once the fog lifted, the attacking troops were exposed to devastating musket and cannon fire. The assault failed after roughly an hour of intense fighting.

The defeat ended the Franco-American attempt to retake Savannah, and this battle would be one of the bloodiest of the war, with Franco-American losses at 244 killed, close to 600 wounded and over 120 taken prisoner by the British. Savannah would continue to be under British control until July 1782.

10/08/2026

07 OCTOBER 2001
OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM [OEF] BEGINS

The United States launched Operation Enduring Freedom [OEF] in Afghanistan on 07 October 2001 in response to the 11 September terrorist attacks. U.S. and British aircraft struck Taliban and al-Qaeda targets, including airfields, command facilities, air defenses, and training camps.

The opening air campaign was soon combined with operations by U.S. Army Special Forces, CIA teams, and Afghan Northern Alliance forces. Army Special Forces detachments worked closely with Afghan fighters, directing air strikes and helping coordinate ground operations against Taliban positions.

Within weeks, Taliban defenses began to collapse. Mazar-i-Sharif fell on 09 November, followed by Kabul and other major cities. The campaign disrupted al-Qaeda’s sanctuary in Afghanistan and removed the Taliban government from power.

Operation Enduring Freedom developed into a prolonged military campaign that lasted for more than 13 years, becoming the longest sustained overseas combat operation in modern U.S. military history.

10/08/2026

🇺🇸🎓 A 3-47 Graduation is now on YouTube!

Congratulations to Alpha Company 3-47 on their graduation at Fort Benning!

The full October 8, 2026 graduation ceremony is now available on our YouTube channel. If you missed it live or want to watch your soldier's big moment again, you can catch the full ceremony now!

🎥 WATCH THE FULL CEREMONY:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXQSy0vWA2Q

Tag your soldier or drop their name in the comments so we can help celebrate them! 🇺🇸

🇺🇸🎓 Congratulations to **Alpha Company 3-47** on their graduation a...

10/07/2026

Our Parade Field has seen a lot of people and a lot of special moments, but we’re always proud to support the U.S. Army and its mission to recruit the next generation of Soldiers.

Just a few weeks ago, Sergeant Major of the Army Michael R. Weimer stood on this very field alongside some of today’s strongest Soldiers. (www.army.mil)

We’re honored to support the men and women who choose to serve and those who continue to represent the Army at the highest level.

Thank you, U.S. Army. 🇺🇸

10/07/2026

🎓 Graduation Time Update!

Families, please remember that all graduations at the National Infantry Museum now begin at 10:00 AM.

Be sure to update your calendars, arrive early, and give yourself plenty of time to get seated before the ceremony begins.

We look forward to celebrating your Soldier with you! 🇺🇸

10/06/2026

🇺🇸 Come experience history at the National Infantry Museum!

Walk through the stories, sacrifices, and legacy of the American Infantryman. From immersive exhibits and powerful artifacts to our Giant Screen Theater, there’s something here for the entire family.

📍 National Infantry Museum
1775 Legacy Way
Columbus, GA 31903

🎟️ Admission is FREE. Donations are always appreciated.

Whether you’re visiting Columbus, coming to Fort Benning for graduation, or just looking for something to do, make the National Infantry Museum part of your day.

🇺🇸 Honor the past. Experience the story. Remember the sacrifice.