Fort Monroe is one of the most important and least crowded historic sites within reach of Williamsburg. It occupies Old Point Comfort in Hampton, at the mouth of the James River where it meets the Chesapeake Bay, and it is a national monument run in partnership by the National Park Service and the local authority. The stone fort, surrounded by a moat, is the largest of its kind built in the United States, and visitors can walk the walls, the parade ground and the casemates. The site carries several layers of history. A marker and memorial commemorate the arrival of the first Africans in Virginia in 1619, and during the Civil War the fort stayed in Union hands and became known as Freedom’s Fortress, a refuge for enslaved people escaping to Union lines. The Casemate Museum inside the fort tells the military story, and the Visitor and Education Center is the place to start. The National Park Service lists the moat, casemates, Flagstaff Bastion, Parade Ground, Lincoln Gun, the Chapel of the Centurion and Quarters No. 1 inside the fort, and the Old Point Comfort Lighthouse, Outlook Beach and a boardwalk outside it. Rangers suggest two to four hours.
How the visit works
The Visitor Center at 30 Ingalls Road is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9:30 to 16:30, and the Casemate Museum opens Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 to 16:30, with the last ticket at 15:30. The Casemate ticket is free and is collected at the Visitor Center, where you can also pick up the walking tour guide, Junior Ranger materials and a passport stamp. Parking is on the street or in the small lot behind the Visitor Center. Hours and seasonal events change, so check the calendar before you go.
What to see
Start at the Visitor Center, then take the guided or self-guided walking tour of the stone fort, crossing the moat and exploring the casemates and the Chapel of the Centurion. Outside the fort, the First Africans in Virginia marker and the African landing memorial are essential stops, and Continental Park, the lighthouse and Outlook Beach make for a relaxed walk. The Seawall Trail suits walkers and cyclists, and the fishing pier and marina add to the waterfront feel. Fall brings ghost walks, and summer has a concert series in Continental Park.
Making the most of it
Fort Monroe is about a 40-minute drive from Williamsburg, so it fits a half day or a full day trip combined with the Mariners’ Museum in Newport News. Visit between Wednesday and Sunday, wear comfortable shoes and bring a light jacket, because the bay wind can be cool. Download the National Park Service app for more detail on the site, and check the events calendar for programs. For groups of ten or more, the site asks you to email or call ahead.
What to expect
The experience
A walk around a moated stone fort, a free ticketed Casemate Museum and a waterfront with beaches, a lighthouse and a boardwalk.
Best time
A fine day between Wednesday and Sunday, when the visitor center and museum are open.
How long
Two to four hours, according to the National Park Service.
Tips
Start at the Visitor Center for the free Casemate ticket and walking guide, and check the events calendar for programs.
Quick picks
- Best for
- History lovers, Civil War readers and families who like forts and moats.
- Families
- Children enjoy the moat, the casemates and the beach, and Junior Ranger materials are available.
- Couples
- A quiet waterfront walk with real history.
- Pair with
- The Mariners’ Museum in Newport News for a full day trip.
- Time needed
- Two to four hours.
Good questions
Is Fort Monroe free to visit?+
The Casemate Museum ticket is free and is collected at the Visitor Center, and the fort and grounds can be explored on foot. Check the site for any changes to fees.
What are the opening hours?+
The Visitor Center opens Wednesday through Sunday from 9:30 to 16:30, and the Casemate Museum Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 to 16:30, with the last ticket at 15:30.
Why is Fort Monroe significant?+
It stands at Old Point Comfort, where the first Africans in Virginia arrived in 1619, and it stayed in Union hands during the Civil War as Freedom’s Fortress.
How long should I allow?+
Rangers suggest two to four hours, and an hour is enough for the Visitor Center, the Casemate Museum and a short walk.
How far is it from Williamsburg?+
It is about a 40-minute drive to Hampton, so it works best as a half-day or full-day trip.
