• Aerial View of Fort Monroe National Monument

    Fort Monroe

    National Monument Virginia

Freedom's Fortress

Fort Monroe National Monument spans the American story through the 21st century: American Indian presence, Captain John Smith's journeys, a safe haven for freedom seekers during the Civil War, and a bastion of defense for the Chesapeake Bay. A public planning process will determine future public services and programming at this new national park with a centuries-old tradition.

Features

  • President Obama signing Fort Monroe proclamation

    President Obama signs the proclamation

    See this short video clip of President Obama signing the proclamation to designate Fort Monroe National Monument.

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  • Fort Monroe image 1979 photo credit Hammel

    Fort Monroe is National Historic Landmark in 1960

    Fort Monroe is the largest stone fort built in the United States. Construction took 15 years; beginning in 1819 and it was completed in 1834.

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  • Fort Monroe Authority Logo

    Fort Monroe Authority - Events

    Programs and events at Fort Monroe are presented through a collaboration of the United States Army, Fort Monroe Authority, and National Park Service.

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  • Robert E. Lee before and after 1861

    Get to Know Robert E. Lee

    As a young engineer fresh from West Point, Robert E. Lee helped to build Fort Monroe.

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  • Trading Card Collage

    Trading Cards for Kids

    Discover more than 500 stories about America’s journey from the Civil War to Civil Rights. View online or visit this park to collect your own copies.

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Did You Know?

Fort Monroe Aerial View

Fort Monroe became a National Historic Landmark in 1960.