Park Management

Superintendent's Message:

Welcome to Fort Monroe National Monument as we continue to remember over 400 years of history at Old Point Comfort, located in Hampton, VA. This landscape, inhabited by the Kecoughtan at the time of English arrival in 1607, was essential to trade, defense, and the making of America and American ideals. As the National Park Service navigates the second century of preservation and enjoyment of natural and cultural landscapes, and we approach the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution, Fort Monroe remains a pivotal site to contemplate and discuss freedom, justice, and identity.

As superintendent, critical goals in collaboration with the Fort Monroe Authority, City of Hampton, and a host of community partners will bring to reality the Fort Monroe Visitor and Education Center and the National Center for Freedom. Signature research and collaboration will continue to honor the legacy of those who came before us through community conversations, innovative technologies, and annual programs such as the Contraband Commemoration and African Landing Day. During such times as this, when health and justice are paramount, we seek to engage with you in the histories of Indigenous Peoples, African American experience, and the making of America, telling the full unvarnished truth in the place where history happened.

On November 1, 2011 Fort Monroe National Monument was created by the authority exercised by President Barack Obama through his first use of the Antiquities Act and motivated by the community of citizens who care for and about the rich multi-faceted history of Fort Monroe. Community engagement, partnerships, and collaboration were vital to the successes we have accomplished together in telling untold stories, commemorating 400 Years of African American history, and preserving 565 acres of cultural heritage at this National Historical Landmark District. Let’s continue this great work together as we reflect on the past and plan for the future.

Thoughtfully,
Superintendent
Fort Monroe National Monument

 

Special Park Use Permits
If you would like to hold a special event on the Parade Ground or other NPS property, please complete a Special Use Permit Application and submitted by mail to the address on the form or by e-mail to:[e-mail]. The application can include private information, we encourage applicants to safeguard your information with a password if emailing and send that in a separate email. Please note that all ceremonies require a Special Use Permit on NPS property. The applicant should include as much detail as possible to help the evaluation of the request, including maps and diagrams allowing 60 days in advance of the requested date.

Additional general information can be reviewed about the National Park Service Special Park Use Permits.

 

About
Created by Presidential Proclamation on November 1, 2011, Fort Monroe National Monument is one of the newer additions to the national park system. Fort Monroe was the third oldest United States Army post in continuous active service until its closure in September 2011. The majority of the Fort Monroe peninsula was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1960 and is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Fort Monroe National Monument park boundary of 325-acres includes historic fortifications and the North Beach area.

Park Planning
In the spring of 2012, the National Park Service began working on the first phase of planning to develop a Foundation Document that helps identify what is nationally significant about the monument.

In June, 2014, the National Park Service held two public previews of Part 1 of the Foundation Document. The public was invited to attend the previews or go to: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/fomrfoundation to view the document online.

In the summer of 2015, the National Park Service announced the completion of the Foundation Document for Fort Monroe National Monument. A foundation document establishes a single, shared understanding of what is most important about a park unit in the national park system. This baseline understanding will guide the development of future planning documents and park management decision at Fort Monroe National Monument.

A brief overview of the Foundation Document is available: click here to view the overview online.

The full Foundation Document is also available: click here to view the full document online.

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Park Establishment
September 9, 2011 - Governor of Virginia's letter of support to Secretary Salazar for the establishment of Fort Monroe National Monument in Hampton, Virginia.

November 1, 2011: Watch and listen to this short video as President Obama signs the proclamation.
(4 minutes 39 seconds) Video Transcript.

• Proclamation
• Proclamation Map

 

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