Fort Monroe National Monument

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.

Fort Monroe Aerial View

A unique perspective only available from the air brings the entire scope of Fort Monroe into focus in one image.

Aerial View of Fort Monroe

Fort Monroe with USS Kearsarge

Fort Monroe's Flagstaff is the first US flag the sailors of the USS Kearsage see when returning to the waters of Hampton Roads.

Fort Monroe in foreground with USS Kearsarge in background.

Fort Monroe Flagstaff Bastion

Brilliant colors of the setting sun offer unique views of the largest stone fortification ever built in the United States.

sun setting over the moat of Fort Monroe

Algernourne Oak: Standing Sentinel

The rising sun illuminates Algernourne Oak as it stands sentinel over the Parade Ground as it has done for almost 500 years.

sunrise over the Parade Ground illuminates Algernourne Oak.

Osprey Perches on Live Oak

An Osprey, once endangered, dries its wings in the on-shore breeze while perched on a live oak.

an Osprey dries its wings perched on a live oak.