Exploring Fort Monroe | Hampton, VA

Entering Fort Monroe | Hampton, VA
Entering Fort Monroe | Hampton, VA

A couple of weeks ago the hubbie & I braved the heat and humidity to get out and explore a bit. We headed across the bay to Hampton, VA to check out Fort Monroe and the Old Point Comfort Lighthouse.

Entering Fort Monroe | Hampton, VA

Fort Monroe: A Brief History

Fort Monroe’s location on the tip of the Virginia Peninsula between the Chesapeake Bay and Hampton Roads has been of defensive significance since 1609. The first wooden stockade was named Fort Algernourne. By 1834 the substantial stone facility that we see today was completed and named in honor of US President James Monroe. This seven-sided stone fort is the largest stone fort ever built in the United States.

Fort Monroe | Hampton, VA

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Although most of Virginia was part of the Confederate States of America during the Civil War (1861-1865), Fort Monroe remained in Union hands. It became a notable and historic symbol of early freedom for former slaves.

Brick Detail | Fort Monroe | Hampton, VA

Fort Monroe was designated as a National Monument by President Barack Obama in 2011 under the Antiquities act. The site spans 565 aces and contains 170 historic buildings, including the Casemate Museum (free admission, open to the public). Learn more about the history here.

Fort Monroe | Hampton, VA

 

Brick Detail | Fort Monroe | Hampton, VA

 

Fort Monroe Church | Hampton, VA

 

Brick Detail | Fort Monroe | Hampton, VA

I thoroughly enjoyed my visit even though the weather was warmer than I prefer. I’m looking forward to returning sometime this fall once the air turns cooler and exploring further.

Capture & Processing Notes

I captured all photos in this series handheld with my Canon 6D and 16-35 f/4 L lens. Post Production was done in Lightroom, Aurora HDR, and On1 Photo 10.

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5 Comments

  1. […] Exploring Fort Monroe | Hampton, VA […]

  2. Ruth Andrieux on August 29, 2017 at 6:35 pm

    I love these old buildings!

  3. jeannine on December 11, 2019 at 11:09 pm

    I lived on Fort Monroe in about 1962 when it was an active installation, my dad was a lifer. We loved it. Lots of boating crabbing, and fishing for us kids.

    • Angela Andrieux on December 12, 2019 at 12:39 am

      Hi Jeannine – What wonderful memories! I imagine the area was quite a bit different, especially with the activity of a busy base. Thanks for sharing!

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