Visit Fort Monroe National Monument, Virginia, for free! Discover the rich history and breathtaking scenery of Fort Monroe National Monument, Virginia, with this comprehensive visitor’s guide. Plan your trip and explore everything this iconic landmark has to offer.
The Gibraltar of the Chesapeake
Fort Monroe is the largest stone fort ever built in America and the longest active duty fort encircled by a moat. It was founded as a result of Captain John Smith’s journeys. and construction was completed on the first fort in 1609.
This is the fourth fort at this location (also known as Old Point Comfort). The fort as we know it was built in 1834 and named for President James Monroe. The location made it key for defense to protect Virginia and Washington, DC. During the Civil War, when Norfolk was smoldering, the garrison at Fort Monroe remained strong.
In the 21st century, it was established as the 396th unit of the National Park Service. It has no admission fee, and you can enjoy the fort, grounds, and beach areas for free! With over 400 years of history, Fort Monroe has many great things to offer.
Once Inside the Fort Walls
When you arrive at Fort Monroe, I suggest heading to the visitor center after parking in one of the designated areas. Remember some residents live in the Fort. Only park where it is clearly marked.
At the Visitor and Education Center, they distribute free timed tickets for entrance to the Casemate Museum. The day we went, we could grab an entry about 30 minutes later, giving us time to explore the exhibits in the Cultural Landscape Gallery. This gallery features information on the Chesapeake Bay, the American Indians, the English settlers, and the landing of the first Africans at Point Comfort.
The Freedom’s Fortress Gallery, next door was the exhibit I most wanted to see. The defiance of the Fugitive Slave Act is a significant development that occurred at Fort Monroe during the Civil War. The nerdy history person in me got so excited to be where this happened.
Fort Monroe was the property of the Confederacy despite being in Virginia. Three brave slaves escaped their owners and ran to what they hoped would be safety. Their owners demanded their return under the Fugitive Slave Act. General Benjamin Butler refused because the Confederates considered these people “property.” Thus, they were a weapon being used to wage war against the Union. Therefore, they would be “contraband of war,” and Butler would keep them.
Not surprisingly, when word spread of the safe haven spread, hundreds of runaway slaves sheltered at Fort Monroe. They were not free, but they were closer. Their stories and those of other prominent local African Americans are included in the gallery.
If the Civil War interests you check out My White House of the Confederacy Visit!
The Casemate Museum
When the time on your ticket arrives, you can make the short walk to the Casemate Museum. It chronicles the history from the construction of Fort Algernourne (1609) through the last major command to be headquartered at Fort Monroe, the US Army Training and Doctrine Command. I would allow about an hour for this portion.
Jefferson Davis spent two years imprisoned at Fort Monroe after the war’s end. Inside the Casemate Museum, you can see where he was held during part of his stay. He was closely guarded while the country’s leaders debated what to do with him and others. Later, he was moved to more spacious quarters in the officers’ hall, allowing visitors and exercise. His wife moved to Fort Monroe in 1866 to be with him.
After the museum, you can wander around, enjoy the beauty, and see some of the other sites!
The Lincoln Gun
Cast in 1860, The Lincoln Gun was the first 15-inch Rodman Gun. The projectiles could go over 4 miles and weighed over 300 pounds. They were used to bombard Confederate batteries on Sewells Point. At Fort Monroe National Monument you can see how big they are and get a chance to touch it! It is not the only artillery piece displayed, but it is certainly the largest!
Old Point Comfort Lighthouse
Built in 1802, the 54-foot tall tower with a spiral staircase of carefully stacked hand-cut stone is one of the oldest lighthouses in the United States. The British occupied it during the War of 1812. During the Civil War, it guided Union ships through the Confederate-laid minefields.
Quarters No. 1 and President Abraham Lincoln
President Lincoln recognized the fort’s strategic location and visited to meet with leadership during the war. President Abraham Lincoln stayed as a guest in Quarters No. 1 during his May 6-11, 1862 visit. During his visit, President Lincoln, Major General John E. Wool, and Commodore Louis M. Goldsborough planned the attack on Norfolk, Virginia. Later, in 1865, he returned for a peace conference.
On-Going Preservation
While we were on the property, we noticed that Quarter No. 1 was being worked on. The building is currently closed to the public as it undergoes exterior stabilization with the intention of supporting public access in the future. This building has had many famous visitors, including Ulysses S. Grant, the Marquis de Lafayette, and George B. McClellan.
There are about a dozen other buildings as well, but we didn’t stop to investigate them all. I will need to return on a warmer day and look around! Also, the Park Rangers often give tours, and I will be taking full advantage of them on my next visit.
Other Things To Do:
The Beaches: Fort Monroe’s beaches are some of the most beautiful in Hampton Roads and offer amazing views of the Chesapeake Bay. The beaches are open year-round with lifeguards from Memorial Day to Labor Day. In the off-season, you can take your dogs, and everyone can get exercise. There are some private beaches, so be sure to look for signage.
The Fort Monroe Authority has special events throughout the year.
The Fishing Pier: if you have a Virginia Saltwater Fishing License you can cast a line at the Engineer Wharf Fishing Pier adjacent to Continental Park. Striped bass, rockfish, and white perch have all been caught there for centuries.
The Fort Monroe Theatre: It is closed for renovations, but fingers crossed it will be open soon.
Oozlefinch Brewery: While I have not explored the restaurants nearest the fort I have been to this brewery a few times. The Oozlefinch is a mythical bird from the island, and I won’t ruin the tale for you. While the brewery has a wide variety of beers, I am a big fan of their cream soda and grape seltzers when they are available. You can see the offerings and events if you follow them on social media.
