Select a red dot to learn more about the location.

Old Pointe Comfort Marina

About 200 boats are moored along the fort's western seawall.

The Chamberlin

Built in 1928, this former hotel is now home to private residences. Public dining options are available. Lunch is served daily, dinner is by reservation only; bar is open Thursday-Saturday evenings.

Main gate into old stone fort

The grassy area above the gate, between it and the Casemate museum, is home to a pet cemetery with headstones dating back to the 1900s.

The Casemate Museum

The Casemate tells the story of Fort Monroe and its predecessor, Fort Algernourne. The museum includes a display of a prison cell similar to the one that held Jefferson Davis in 1865, as well as Davis' pipe and the U.S. flag that hung in his cell.

The Tuileries

This building housed Robert E. Lee when he served in the Union Army as a young officer. Under his watch, from 1831-34, the moat was evacuated to its proper depth and he oversaw the finishing of key walls. His first child, George Washington Custis Lee, was born here on Sept. 16, 1832.

The Lincoln Gun

This artillery piece on the parade ground is one of the largest smoothbore cannons ever made. It could fire a 300-pound projectile more than four miles, and was used during the Civil War to protect Hampton Roads from attacks by the armored Confederate ship Virginia.

Chapel of the Centurion

Named for a Roman centurion who converted to Christianity, this building is one of the oldest wooden churches on any Army base. It was consecrated in May of 1858 and is still in use. Some of its stained-glass windows are original Louis Comfort Tiffany windows.

Quarters No. 1

This two-story building was home to the fort's commanding general. President Abraham Lincoln planned the Union assault of Norfolk from here in 1862. This is thought to be where Union Gen. Benjamin Butler met with three escaped slaves who came to the fort asking for refuge in May 1861. He declared them contraband and offered them sanctuary, setting the stage for the Emancipation Proclamation.

Old Point Comfort Lighthouse

Fifty-four feet high with octagonal stone walls, the lighthouse was built in 1802 and is still in operation.

Seawall

Starting near the Chamberlin, the fort's seawall stretches for more than a mile along the bay, offering joggers and walkers an unfettered view of Hampton Roads and the Chesapeake Bay.

History

The site's Civil War history is especially notable. It became known as Freedom's Fortress in 1861 when three black men sought sanctuary from slavery. The Union general allowed them to stay, and word spread. In the months and years to come, some 10,000 escaped slaves flocked to Fort Monroe. They became the backbone of Hampton's first generation of free blacks.

Read More

Find the full story of the fugitive slaves' arrival at Fort Monroe in "Free to Fight," originally published in eight parts. Order a reprint now

Possible Uses

Some of these uses - no more than wishes - include a slavery museum, a governor's academy for high school students focused on science and math, and offices for the Smithsonian Institution. In the meantime, the public is welcome to enjoy the fort and its fishing piers, kayak launch, beaches, tennis and basketball courts and ball fields.

Directions

From Norfolk, head west on Interstate 64. Take exit 268 in Hampton, the first one after the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel. Turn left on Mallory Street, then right on Mellen Street. Follow it across Mill Creek, then right onto to McNair Drive, which enters the fort. Get a Google map here.