Fort Monroe Authority

So many pass it not knowing the history of this wonderful place.

I was stationed at Fort Monroe in 1967 (Women's Army Corps) and I must say that my experience there was awesome. Anyone who was there during that time knows the fun we had as young soldiers. (Mary Frank)

I am a writer and photographer for National Park Planner and I visited Fort Monroe National Monument in September 2014. The park preserves the largest masonry fort ever built in the United States. Construction started in 1819 and lasted until 1834, with minor construction projects continuing for years more. The fort is situated on a peninsula that juts out into the Hampton Roads, a section of water between present day Hampton and Norfolk, Virginia, where the James, Elizabeth, and Nansemond Rivers all come together before entering the Chesapeake Bay. Originally known as Point Comfort, the strategic importance of this land has been recognized since the early days of British colonialism in the Americas. Before the days of aerial warfare, to invade another country you needed a navy to transport soldiers to the battlefield. Should the enemy have access to the Hampton Roads it could travel far into the mainland of Virginia on the James River. Controlling the channel was vital to defending the country and the best way to do so would be to build a coastal fort that could rain down lead on any enemy ships that tried passing. What better way to control the channel than with a coastal fort on Point Comfort.

Fort Monroe operated at a military installation until 2011, when it was finally decommissioned. President Obama designated the fort as a National Monument on November 1, 2011. Because this is a relatively new National Park, activities are still in the planning stages. At this time (fall of 2014) the only activities for park visitors are a museum that covers the history of the fort, The Casemate Museum, and a walking tour of the fort and the grounds just outside. The National Park Service also owns the land on the northern end of the peninsula. There are three decrepit batteries (coastal defenses manned with artillery), Battery DeRussy, Battery Anderson-Ruggles, and Battery Church, but all are shuttered and not open to the public. The former officers club, now called the Paradise Ocean Club, was renovated in 2012 and reopened as a private, members-only venture. In addition, there is an RV Park on the property that has been around for years. It was originally a campground for military personnel and families when the fort was still active. It is now privately owned. Both places were leased from the Fort Monroe Authority before the National Park Service took over. The NPS honored the leases, and while now on park land, neither place has anything to do with the NPS.

For complete information on all there is to see and do at the park, visit the National Park Planner web site (npplan).

It was beautiful! I had such a great time. Recommended for all military history fans.

The museum is IN the wall of the Fortress. You have to drive across a dinky bridge to cross the moat. Once there, it's a great afternoon at the museum. It closes at 4:30pm

Beautiful Fort! It is also FREE to visit! Great museum about all its history and amazing to walk around its walls.

Was stationed at Fort Monroe before it closed. It is a beautiful, hidden gem. Take the time to get off the interstate (after you transit the HRBT) and spend a few hours both "inside the moat" and outside. Visit the museum and drive around the Old Post.

really cool place to see. would recommend going here. heard there was a dog park here but never found it.... not sure if it exists... but it was still cool

View the virtual tour online or come check out the richness of history in person!

I was stationed there from July 1968 - January 1969 and was assigned to the 50th Army Band, "The Continental Army Band." We played evening concerts at Continental Park and did what we called "March Arounds" inside the mote. The chief engineer for the construction of Fort Monroe AND Fort Pulaski in Savannah, Georgia, was Robert E. Lee. There is an historical marker in front of his home at Fort Monroe.

If you are in the area it is worth visiting. The fort is very interesting, and the Casemate museum makes the trip. Visit the flag staff. If facing the interior of the fort, walk the wall to the right and visit the pretty cemetery along the wall.

At the Casemate Museum, kids can get a booklet, answer as many questions as they can, and the park director will swear them in as junior rangers.

The whole place is great. They did a great job taking care of it after it closed.

Fort Monroe is such a great place to visit. Beautiful beaches, a cool museum and full of culture.

Gorgeous National Park! Park inside the fort at The Casemate Museum. Take a walk up the Flag Bastion for a wonderful view of the bay and walk around the entire fort walls. Have dinner at The Deadrise, also on Fort Monroe, and catch a great sunset over the Marina.

It's awesome! I live here inside the moat and feel amazed every time I step outside the door.

Outstanding in all the services performed throughout the civil war.
Worth visiting

My husband, cousin & I had a wonderful afternoon touring this amazing fort & learning the history. I would recommend that it be one of your next stops while in VA, on the Chesapeake River!!!

Good place to visit. much history. a must for all. A trubute to Jeff Davis, a true hero.

I highly recommend the Ft Monroe experience include shuttle boat rides to Ft Wool
Kids want some activities and a boat ride and tour of the companion fortress not only completes the historical picture but makes the destination more exciting for the kids ... and this 64 year old kid would love the adventure and memories too
That fortress should get a little make- over anyways so if not already part of Ft Monroe National Park, initiatives should be underway to adopt it to fund preservation efforts of this impressive historical landmark but also an excellent additional Advertising feature to the visit to Ft Monroe
PS The shuttle rides could also generate more income to sustain both sites

I was stationed there during my time in the Army. it's a beautiful place rich with history.