Fort Monroe National Monument
Fort Monroe National Monument things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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Fort Monroe (also known as the Fort Monroe National Monument) is a decommissioned military installation in Hampton, Virginia—at Old Point Comfort, the southern tip of the Virginia Peninsula, United States. Along with Fort Wool, Fort Monroe guarded the navigation channel between the Chesapeake Bay and Hampton Roads—the natural roadstead at the confluence of the Elizabeth, the Nansemond and the James rivers. Surrounded by a moat, the seven-sided star fort is the largest stone fort ever built in the United States. During the initial exploration by the mission headed by Captain Christopher Newport in the earliest days of the Colony of Virginia, the site was identified as a strategic defensive location. Beginning by 1609, defensive fortifications were built at Old Point Comfort during Virginia's first two centuries. The first was a wooden stockade named Fort Algernourne. However, the much more substantial facility of stone to become known as Fort Monroe (and adjacent Fort Wool on an artificial island across the channel) were completed in 1834. The principal facility was named in honor of U.S. President James Monroe.[6] Throughout the American Civil War (1861–1865), although most of Virginia became part of the Confederate States of America, Fort Monroe remained in Union hands. It became notable as a historic and symbolic site of early freedom for former slaves under the provisions of contraband policies. For two years thereafter, the former Confederate President, Jefferson Davis, was imprisoned at the fort. His first months of confinement were spent in a cell of the casemate fort walls that is now part of its Casemate Museum. In the 20th century, it housed the Coast Artillery School and later the United States Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) until its decommission. Fort Monroe was decommissioned on September 15, 2011, and many of its functions were transferred to nearby Fort Eustis. Several re-use plans for Fort Monroe are under development in the Hampton community.
Rick ARick A
00
Fort Monroe, VA, is the the little visited sight of so many unique historical sites and fantastic beaches! Many people drive right past the old Fort on their way through the Hampton Roads Bay Bridge tunnel without realizing what a gem it is! First of all, the whole Island was the Fort, there is an inner fort that bolstered the outer island perimeter guns. Now that the guns are gone, you can still tour all the abandoned batteries and there is a walking tour that is available on audio from the park service. Second, the beaches are little used outside of holiday weekends and are instead frequently used by locals and local military and law enforcement for exercising. Third, great history! The first Africans that arrived on our shores to start the terrible institution of slavery came here, and it is well documented and noted on the island tours and markers. Also, all the other Virginia military history that you are accustomed to as a Virginian in Virginia. Lol Fourth, there is a Hampton police substation and training school on the island making it a very safe place to visit and vacation. There is also a little known KOA sponsored RV park on the northeast side of the island that has decent rates and open spots for longer stays. Lastly, not a lot of amenities on the island itself. Please be aware there are no public restrooms on the island itself. Fort administration has placed various porta potties along the beach but they are far apart and maintained as well as one can expect with staffing shortages since Covid. You can’t ask for a quieter beach though if you’re willing to pack a lunch and book!
Ray BRay B
00
This was an unexpected stop on our trip turned out to be quite the gem. The only issue we had was an MSNBC crew filming some sort of documentary that we were unaware of and one of the crew members very rudely told us that we had ruined their shot. This was quickly remedied by, what I can only assume was the museum curator or someone in charge of the museum, in which our tour of Fort Monroe was able to resume peacefully. We even ran into the museum curator one more time and she apologized for the film crew and thanked us for coming in it’s really gave us a nice lasting image of Fort Monroe. More importantly fort itself is a very fun and interesting place to tour, you will need to visit the visitor center in order to get passes to tour the Museum which is very worth the time. The visitor center is outside of the moat itself so be sure to check the map in order to get the free tickets. The museum has a plethora of information regarding everything from the psychology of the soldiers at the time to the weapons and battlements used. I am very happy that we decided to stop at Fort Monroe and would highly encourage anybody who has the chance to take advantage of the opportunity!
Andrew ZiskaAndrew Ziska
00
Fort Monroe National Monument is a must-see if traveling in the Hampton Roads area. Since it is a relatively new protected site (2011), it has a different ‘feel’ than other historical military forts. There is an extensive history here, going back to long before the civil war, as well more recent times. Hence, this history is reflected in the different kinds of buildings and other sights you see at the fort. The Casemate museum is very impressive with a lot of detailed interpretive work and information about the fort as well as related-area military history. There is no entrance fee, you can drive around the fort as well walk, ride your bike, etc., and so there are many great ways to see the sights! You can also walk to the top of several casemates, see outside the fort, and imagine what the perspective might have be like at various times in this fort’s impressive history. Definitely a great place to bring families as well. At least, when we visited they were also advertising the opportunity to privately lease a few of the buildings for condo-type of living. Overall, this is a great place and I strongly recommend taking the time to visit!
Clark ZealandClark Zealand
00
Historic park marking the mixed bag of emotions America can be. This fort saw the first Africans on this soil. After winning an intense battle with a Spanish ship that was delivering their “cargo” (listed on manifest as “20. and odd”) to the Caribbean and South America the English privateer ship collected the “20.and odd” and brought them to this fort. This fort and it’s land has seen the likes of indigenous peoples, the Chesepain or Chesapeake who called this land home, Cpt. John Smith came through here along with a number of US Presidents. The fort was a a first line of defense during the Revolutionary War and stayed an active camp until its disarmament in 1946. Now a protected site, this park sits right on the ocean with open spaces, park benches and picnic table. A visitors center will give you more details about the history of this old beast. A, paved, walking trail splits the land from the sea and goes for miles. Interesting place to see.
CariAnn WatsonCariAnn Watson
00
The forts are easily accessible and really neat to see. The approximate 3 mile strip of Outlook Beach is a little heartbreaking to see as it is a beautiful little area, but is littered with trash everywhere you turn. There is no easy way to get down to the beach once you are on the boardwalk area, but there were plenty of locals down there, and nothing noting you could not be on the beach, so I am assuming it is allowed. All the trash cans are on the boardwalk, but none on the beach itself, which lends people to leaving all their trash everywhere. Being we were not from the area, I can only assume we were allowed on the actual beach, but there was plenty of traffic below on the sand and in the water. Either way, I really wish this area was looked after more.
Jennifer HawkinsJennifer Hawkins
00
Nearby Attractions Of Fort Monroe National Monument
Casemate Museum of Fort Monroe
Outlook Beach
Old Point Comfort Lighthouse
The Chamberlin
Fort Monroe Fishing Pier
Chapel of the Centurion
Quarters No. 1
Harvest Market at Oozlefinch

Casemate Museum of Fort Monroe
4.7
(524)Click for details

Outlook Beach
4.7
(282)Click for details

Old Point Comfort Lighthouse
4.6
(244)Click for details

The Chamberlin
4.5
(140)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Fort Monroe National Monument
The Deadrise
Oozlefinch Beers & Blending
Firehouse Coffee 1881
Nost Brewing Project

The Deadrise
4.5
(1.4K)Click for details

Oozlefinch Beers & Blending
4.6
(458)Click for details

Firehouse Coffee 1881
4.7
(333)Click for details

Nost Brewing Project
5.0
(1)Click for details
Basic Info
Address
Fort Monroe, VA 23651
Map
Phone
(757) 722-3678
Call
Website
nps.gov
Visit
Reviews
Overview
4.7
(2.2K reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
outdoor
scenic
family-friendly
accessibility
attractions: Casemate Museum of Fort Monroe, Outlook Beach, Old Point Comfort Lighthouse, The Chamberlin, Fort Monroe Fishing Pier, Chapel of the Centurion, Quarters No. 1, Harvest Market at Oozlefinch, restaurants: The Deadrise, Oozlefinch Beers & Blending, Firehouse Coffee 1881, Nost Brewing Project

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