Fort Monroe National Monument • Virginia

Aerial View of Fort Monroe

Fort Monroe in foreground with USS Kearsarge in background.

sun setting over the moat of Fort Monroe

sunrise over the Parade Ground illuminates Algernourne Oak.

an Osprey dries its wings perched on a live oak.

Fort Monroe's story spans from prehistory to the 2000s. Kecoughtan Indians occupied Old Point Comfort before the arrival of English colonists. The first enslaved Africans arrived in 1619. Those escaping slavery sought their freedom at the fort during the Civil War. The fort remained bastion of national defense until 2011, when it became a national park.

A unique perspective only available from the air brings the entire scope of Fort Monroe into focus in one image.
NPS Photo

Fort Monroe's Flagstaff is the first US flag the sailors of the USS Kearsage see when returning to the waters of Hampton Roads.
NPS Photo/Aaron Firth

Brilliant colors of the setting sun offer unique views of the largest stone fortification ever built in the United States.
NPS Photo/Aaron Firth

The rising sun illuminates Algernourne Oak as it stands sentinel over the Parade Ground as it has done for almost 500 years.
NPS Photo/Aaron Firth

An Osprey, once endangered, dries its wings in the on-shore breeze while perched on a live oak.
NPS Photo/Aaron Firth

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Duration:: 15 minutes, 37 seconds

Explore the hundreds of years of history and significance of "Freedom's Fortress."

A line of colorfully dressed seated people in colorful clothes beat drums with their hands. .

Commemorate the First African Landing

The first enslaved Africans landed in English North America in 1619. Each year in August we commemorate their arrival.

A large live oak tree casts long morning shadows under blue skies.

Algernourne Oak Stands Sentinel

The Algernourne Oak is the oldest of over 300 live oak trees at Fort Monroe. It has stood watch over the Parade Ground for about 500 years.

A color illustration depicts Fort Monroe surrounded by water and a number of sail and steamboats.

History & Culture

Discover centuries of history at Fort Monroe.

Last updated: October 10, 2025

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

41 Bernard Road
Building #17
Fort Monroe, VA 23651-1001

Phone:

757-722-FORT (3678)

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