Fort Monroe National Monument — Attraction in Hampton

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...

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...

What a breathtaking site. My love and I spent the weekend bopping around different historical sites, with this one being one of the ones to cap off our trip. We made a great decision by coming here!

The entire (peninsula? island?) is absolutely gorgeous - we didn't get a chance to explore every area but just by driving around we could see walkways and beaches being enjoyed by people. This area is truly gorgeous and I'm a little sad we didn't spend more time here! Our visit mainly focused on the fort itself, however.

We arrived first thing in the morning and walked around a little bit outside before the museum opened. It opened a little early and we were welcomed inside by the security guard. This was a really great experience as well! The exhibits and information stretch back from the earliest contacts on the beach and up through the final military postings from the last few years. There's a lot of love that goes into the presentation of the information and conservation efforts; my favorite is when places like this discuss the conservation work they're doing by highlighting some of the technology or exhibit arrangement decisions they make in the building.

We had to get going to beat a bit of traffic, but this place is more than worth multiple visits. I'd highly recommend this place if you're at all interested in military history, colonial history, or...