National Infantry Museum one of 10 stops on Georgia's World War II Heritage Trail

COLUMBUS- The Columbus community is one that is deep rooted in military history. Fort Benning to the south of the city is a beacon of the armed forces and shining bright at the gates of that beacon is the National Infantry Museum. The museum which has received numerous recognitions throughout its moderate history has been recently named as one of 10 stops across the state that show the Peach States contributions to World War II.

During World War II, there were more than 300,000 Georgians that served in the military. Their stories have inspired younger generations and are carved in the walls of museums, halls of fame, and bases stretching across the state. Those who love history or just want to learn more about the war can now get a first hand view of some of the top World War II destinations in the state thanks to Georgia's new World War II Heritage Trail.

The trail stretches from Columbus to Savannah and Toccoa to Andersonville with 10 stops along the way. One of those stops is in Columbus at the National Infantry Museum which has a unique and robust collection of World War II artifacts and heritage in its collection. The collection tells the stories of so many who shed blood, tears, sweat, and so much more abroad in the last World War.

The National Infantry Museum also allows visitors to immerse themselves in life-size vignettes of historic actions in theaters on the European Front and Pacific Front of the war. Visitors will be able to spend hours in a gallery that features Audie Murphy's medals, the American flag carried by US Army Rangers climbing the cliffs at Pointe du Hoc and a camouflage parachute used by Americans retaking Corregidor Island.

Attractions at the National Infantry Museum continues as visitors can take a free tour of World War II Company Street, which contains seven authentically renovated buildings that were used at Fort Benning during the ramp-up to the war.

Peter Bowden, President-CEO of Visit Columbus, GA, says he's excited about adding another visitor experience in Columbus. "History is one the top reasons people travel and the World War II Heritage Trail brings attention to the National Infantry Museum; what it represents to honor the Infantry, core values, and the extraordinary collection of artifacts and the stories that each piece reveals through interpretation," said Bowen.

The Heritage Trail is one of only four World War II Trails in the United States It has already won a TravelBlazers Award from Georgia Trend magazine and the Georgia Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus. The award recognizes innovative partnerships in Georgia tourism.

The National Infantry Museum recently reopened its doors after a 16-month long closure due to the pandemic. The museum is presently open on weekends only with operating hours of Saturday, 9-5 and Sunday 11-5. Admission is free, but a $5 donation is requested. Tours of the World War II Company Street are 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays if weather permits.

The National Infantry Museum is located on 155-acres at 1775 Legacy Way in Columbus, Georgia.