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.
Current Alerts
- InformationReminder: Look Before Parking
Visitors are reminded to park in marked parking spaces. Parking in the grass or other alternative areas is unauthorized. Please help us #KeepFortMonroeBeautiful.
- Park ClosureRoad Closure and Fishing Pier Impact
The Engineer Wharf, one of two fishing piers at Fort Monroe is temporarily closed. The Finger Pier remains open. Also closed is the section of Fenwick Road between Ingalls and the East Gate of the fort. Detour signs will aid travelers around the closure.
Source: National Park Service.
Upcoming Events
- Gibraltar of the Chesapeake and the Building of a NationSun Aug 23 2026Fort Monroe Visitor & Education Center 30 Ingalls Road Fort Monroe, VA 23651
- Finding "Freedom's Fortress"Sun Aug 23 2026Fort Monroe Visitor & Education Center 30 Ingalls Road Fort Monroe, VA 23651
- Finding "Freedom's Fortress"Tue Aug 25 2026Fort Monroe Visitor & Education Center 30 Ingalls Road Fort Monroe, VA 23651
- From the Ground UpTue Aug 25 2026Fort Monroe Visitor & Education Center 30 Ingalls Road Fort Monroe, VA 23651
- Power and Prominence of the Powhatan Chiefdom Wed Aug 26 2026Fort Monroe Visitor & Education Center Plaza 30 Ingalls Road Fort Monroe, VA 23651
- Shoulder to Shoulder: A Legacy for AllThu Aug 27 2026Fort Monroe Visitor & Education Center Plaza 30 Ingalls Road Fort Monroe, VA 23651
- Shifting Sands, A Journey Through Time on this Spit of LandFri Aug 28 2026Fort Monroe Visitor & Education Center Plaza 30 Ingalls Road Fort Monroe, VA 23651
- Fort Monroe Bird WalkFri Aug 28 2026Fort Monroe Visitor & Education Center 30 Ingalls Road Fort Monroe, VA 23651
- The Movement of a LegacySat Aug 29 2026Fort Monroe Visitor & Education Center Plaza 30 Ingalls Road Fort Monroe, VA 23651
- From the Ground UpTue Sep 01 2026Fort Monroe Visitor & Education Center 30 Ingalls Road Fort Monroe, VA 23651
- Gibraltar of the Chesapeake and the Building of a NationTue Sep 01 2026Fort Monroe Visitor & Education Center 30 Ingalls Road Fort Monroe, VA 23651
- Power and Prominence of the Powhatan Chiefdom Wed Sep 02 2026Fort Monroe Visitor & Education Center Plaza 30 Ingalls Road Fort Monroe, VA 23651
- Shoulder to Shoulder: A Legacy for AllThu Sep 03 2026Fort Monroe Visitor & Education Center Plaza 30 Ingalls Road Fort Monroe, VA 23651
- Finding "Freedom's Fortress"Fri Sep 04 2026Fort Monroe Visitor & Education Center 30 Ingalls Road Fort Monroe, VA 23651
- Shifting Sands, A Journey Through Time on this Spit of LandFri Sep 04 2026Fort Monroe Visitor & Education Center Plaza 30 Ingalls Road Fort Monroe, VA 23651
- The Movement of a LegacySat Sep 05 2026Fort Monroe Visitor & Education Center Plaza 30 Ingalls Road Fort Monroe, VA 23651
- Night Sky: Galaxies and Star ClustersFri Sep 18 2026Walker Airfield near the Colonies RV and Travel Park
- Common Soldier in the American Civil WarSat Sep 19 2026Near Lincoln Gun on the Parade Ground
- Tree Tour of Fort Monroe: Bounty of the TreesSat Sep 19 2026Fort Monroe Visitor and Education Center plaza