Freedom's Fortress
Fort Monroe National Monument spans the American story from the 17th to the 21st centuries: Captain John Smith's journeys, a haven of freedom for the enslaved 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.
How to get involved...
Features
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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 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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Events - Fort Monroe Authority
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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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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Did You Know?
Chief Black Hawk, a Sauk Indian was imprisoned at Fort Monroe in 1833 for attacking settlers in the upper Midwest. Lt. Jefferson Davis escorted him to the fort. Thirty-two years later, Davis, the former Confederate States President, was indicted for treason and imprisoned in Fort Monroe.