President Donald Trump recently announced the renaming of seven military bases, including one dedicated to a Central New York woman. During a speech at Fort Bragg, he revealed plans to revert the U.S. Army bases to their former names that honored Confederate soldiers. Among these changes, Fort A.P. Hill in Virginia, previously named Fort Walker in honor of Civil War surgeon Dr. Mary Walker, will now be known as Fort A.P. Hill again.
The decision to change the names of the military bases was met with mixed reactions. The U.S. Army confirmed that they would promptly restore the original names of the bases that were initially named after Confederates. However, the restored names would now be attributed to other American soldiers with similar names and initials.
For instance, Fort Lee in Virginia, previously renamed Fort Gregg-Adams, will now honor Spanish-American War Pvt. Fitz Lee instead of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee. Similarly, Fort Johnson will be renamed Fort Polk in tribute to WWII Gen. James H. Polk rather than Confederate General Leonidas Polk.
Dr. Mary Walker, a native of Oswego Town, was a remarkable figure in American history. As a Union Army doctor during the Civil War, she became the only woman to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor. Her advocacy for women’s rights and dress reform, along with her contributions as a writer and abolitionist, earned her national recognition.
The renaming of Fort A.P. Hill stirred emotions among historians and politicians. Senator Chuck Schumer denounced the decision, calling it a dishonor to the memory of Sgt. Henry Johnson, a Medal of Honor recipient from Albany. The process of renaming the bases began during President Joe Biden’s term, following a bipartisan bill passed in 2020 to address the commemoration of Confederate figures in the Department of Defense.
According to reports, the renaming process incurred a significant cost, nearly $40 million. The latest decision to revert the bases to their original names is expected to involve additional expenses, although the exact amount remains uncertain. The Naming Commission’s lead historian emphasized the importance of recognizing the sacrifices made by the new namesakes but criticized the prioritization of surnames over service.
Overall, the renaming of military bases is a reflection of ongoing efforts to address historical legacies and honor diverse American heroes. While controversies may arise from such decisions, they underscore the complexities of commemorating individuals within the nation’s military history.
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