Fort Monroe National Monument
Designation: National Monument
Location: Virginia
📘 Park Overview
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.
🌤 Weather Information
Spring: Temperatures range from 40 F to 70 F with rain being common. Summer: Temperatures range from 75 F to 100 F with rain and sun equally common. On very sunny days, be prepared with plenty of water. Fall: Temperatures usually range from 40 F to 65 F. Hurricanes are more likely to threaten the are at this time of year. If planning a visit during this time, please be mindful of the storm activity. Winter: Temperatures range from 40 F to 50 F on average with snow being uncommon.
🚗 Directions
Take exit 268 from Interstate 64 (I-64) in Hampton, Virginia toward Fort Monroe. Turn left from the exit ramp onto South Mallory Street. Turn right at the second light onto East Mellen Street. Cross the bridge and turn left at the light onto Ingalls Road. The Fort Monroe Visitor & Education Center is on the left after about two-thirds of a mile. Park on Ingalls Road or in the lot behind the building.
Images
A unique perspective only available from the air brings the entire scope of Fort Monroe into focus in one image.
Credit: NPS Photo
Fort Monroe's Flagstaff is the first US flag the sailors of the USS Kearsage see when returning to the waters of Hampton Roads.
Credit: NPS Photo/Aaron Firth
Brilliant colors of the setting sun offer unique views of the largest stone fortification ever built in the United States.
Credit: NPS Photo/Aaron Firth
The rising sun illuminates Algernourne Oak as it stands sentinel over the Parade Ground as it has done for almost 500 years.
Credit: NPS Photo/Aaron Firth
An Osprey, once endangered, dries its wings in the on-shore breeze while perched on a live oak.
Credit: NPS Photo/Aaron Firth
Activities
Topics
Operating Hours
Entrance Fees
No entrance fees listed.
Entrance Passes
No entrance passes listed.
3-Day Weather Forecast
Tuesday, Feb 17
Overcast
High: 47.7°F | Low: 36.3°F
Humidity: 94%
Wind: 10.5 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 0.8
Sunrise: 06:51 AM
Sunset: 05:48 PM
Moon: New Moon (0%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 40°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Wednesday, Feb 18
Overcast
High: 56.3°F | Low: 43°F
Humidity: 90%
Wind: 18.3 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 0.6
Sunrise: 06:50 AM
Sunset: 05:49 PM
Moon: Waxing Crescent (0%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 48°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Thursday, Feb 19
Fog
High: 48.8°F | Low: 39.2°F
Humidity: 97%
Wind: 13.9 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 0.3
Sunrise: 06:49 AM
Sunset: 05:50 PM
Moon: Waxing Crescent (3%)
Visibility: 3 mi
Dew Point: 44.6°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Park Alerts
Park Events
Finding "Freedom's Fortress"
Explore some dynamic history on a ranger-led walk to discover "Freedon's Fortress."
Program expected to be about 1 hour in length and 1/2 mile in distance.
Location: Casemate Museum entrance 20 Bernard Road Fort Monroe, VA 23651
Date: Nov 20, 2025 12:00am to Dec 20, 2025 12:00am
Paid Event
From the Ground Up
Join us on a ranger-led walk to explore and learn about some of the individually listed buildings on the National Register. Discover how these locations contribute the "building" of Fort Monroe "From the Ground Up." Comfortable footwear and water are recommended. Exterior views of the included structures only.
Location: Casemate Museum entrance 20 Bernard Road Fort Monroe, VA 23651
Date: Nov 21, 2025 12:00am to Dec 19, 2025 12:00am
Paid Event
Gibraltar of the Chesapeake and the Building of a Nation
Join us on a ranger-led walking tour to explore the history of Fort Monroe. Learn about the establishment of the 3rd system, the role of the "Gibraltar of the Chesapeake" in local and national defense, and the diverse workforce constructing the largest fortification in the western hemisphere.
Location: Casemate Museum Entrance 20 Bernard Road Fort Monroe, VA 23651
Date: Nov 29, 2025 12:00am to Dec 20, 2025 12:00am
Paid Event
Gibraltar of the Chesapeake and the Building of a Nation
Join us on a ranger-led walking tour to explore the history of Fort Monroe. Learn about the establishment of the 3rd system, the role of the "Gibraltar of the Chesapeake" in local and national defense, and the diverse workforce constructing the largest fortification in the western hemisphere.
Location: Casemate Museum Entrance 20 Bernard Road Fort Monroe, VA 23651
Date: Jan 7, 2026 12:00am to Mar 26, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
From the Ground Up
Join us on a ranger-led walk to explore and learn about some of the individually listed buildings on the National Register. Discover how these locations contribute the "building" of Fort Monroe "From the Ground Up." Comfortable footwear and water are recommended. Exterior views of the included structures only.
Location: Casemate Museum entrance 20 Bernard Road Fort Monroe, VA 23651
Date: Jan 7, 2026 12:00am to Jan 7, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Finding "Freedom's Fortress"
Explore some dynamic history on a ranger-led walk to discover "Freedon's Fortress."
Program expected to be about 1 hour in length and 1/2 mile in distance.
Location: Casemate Museum entrance 20 Bernard Road Fort Monroe, VA 23651
Date: Jan 8, 2026 12:00am to Mar 26, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Fort Monroe Bird Walk
Wear weather appropriate attire and bringing binoculars is encouraged. Standing and walking expected with some change of locations possible encouraging transportation. Meet at Fort Monroe Visitor & Education Center 8 - 10 am
Location: Fort Monroe Visitor & Education Center 30 Ingalls Road Fort Monroe, VA 23651
Date: Jan 23, 2026 12:00am to Jan 23, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Night Sky: Galaxies and Star Clusters
Join us to explore the night sky viewing galaxies and star clusters over Fort Monroe. No experience or equipment is needed. Telescopes and expert guides provided. Bring yourself and your curiosity for a rewarding opportunity.
Visitor Parking: On Fenwick Road near former Officers' Club. Look for parking direction signage.
Event is weather dependent. Notification of cancellation will be made by 3pm on 02/20.
Location: Walker Airfield near the Colonies RV and Travel Park
Date: Feb 20, 2026 12:00am to Feb 20, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Garrison Life at Fort Monroe
Experience the sights and sounds of the US Army at Fort Monroe. See soldiers drill on the Parade Ground. Experience black powder firing demonstrations throughout the weekend highlighting Artillery, Cavalry, and Infantry. Hear field music and learn from living historians interpreting 200 years of national defense.
Location: Fort Monroe Parade Ground
Date: Mar 28, 2026 12:00am to Mar 28, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Garrison Life at Fort Monroe
Experience the sights and sounds of the US Army at Fort Monroe. See soldiers drill on the Parade Ground. Experience black powder firing demonstrations throughout the weekend highlighting Artillery, Cavalry, and Infantry. Hear field music and learn from living historians interpreting 200 years of national defense.
Location: Fort Monroe Parade Ground
Date: Mar 29, 2026 12:00am to Mar 29, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Visitor Center & Contacts
📍 Physical Address:
30 Ingalls Road
Fort Monroe, VA 23651-1001
🏤 Mailing Address:
41 Bernard Road
Building #17
Fort Monroe, VA 23651-1001
📞 Voice Phone: 757-722-FORT (3678)
✉️ Email: fomr_interpretation@nps.gov