Last updated: August 13, 2024
Thing to Do
Discover Fort Monroe's African American Heritage
NPS Photo
Immerse yourself in over four hundred years of African American history. That story begins in 1619 with the arrival of the first enslaved Africans at Old Point Comfort. It continued through the age of slavery and abolition, and into the 2000s.
Details
Duration
45 Minutes
Activity
Self-Guided Tours - Walking
Start at the Fort Monroe Visitor & Education Center. View two galleries of exhibits. One describes the 1619 arrival of the first Africans in the Virginia colony. Another tells of the legacy of the contrabands and those who paved the way for emancipation. The Casemate Museum also has exhibits about these events.
Guided and self-guiding walking tours stop at places of African American history. A seaside historic marker commemorates the first landing of Africans in 1619. Nearby is the site of a planned memorial to those first enslaved Africans.
Enslaved workers were among those who built the stone fort. The fort's Quarters 1 is where three enslaved men sought refuge with the US Army during the Civil War. Exhibits along Ingalls Road describe the old contraband quarters and hospital. Two former freedom seekers later served as keepers of Old Point Comfort Lighthouse.
During the Great Depression, Black workers built the bandstand at Continental Park. The long history of African American service at Fort Monroe continued into the 2000s.
Pets Allowed
Yes with Restrictions
Pets are allowed on the grounds of Fort Monroe. They are not allowed inside the Visitor & Education Center, Casemate Museum, or other buildings.
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Fort Monroe Visitor & Education Center
Start at the Fort Monroe Visitor & Education Center at 30 Ingalls Road, Fort Monroe, Virginia.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Time of Day
Day
Accessibility Information
Much of Fort Monroe is on level ground with sidewalks and curb cuts.