Sophia and I have lived in the Peninsula since 2011, but rarely took trips to Fort Monroe to explore its history. Shame on us since we've been to many museums for years. But, it's better late than never. And believe me, it's one you definitely want to check out. For admission, it's free. How it works is we're given a 15 min window for entering and plus, it gives you a chance to look around in the visitor center where the galley takes you to the history of Fort Monroe and how the Civil War changed everything. If you've been to museums in Virginia, just about everything is covered regarding the slave trade and wars between the North and South and against other countries. A lot to take in, but beneficial. After we were done scoping the visitor center, we entered the museum itself. A treasure trove of information to soak in regarding Fort Monroe itself. I just turned 45 years old and I can tell you I learned a ton from this visit alone. And there still is more to gain. It's wonderful to see that the staff put their heart and soul into keeping everything in place. You can do a self guided tour like we did or you can do a group tour. Also, the museum shops have goodies for you to buy. Believe me, you should not leave empty handed when you have the chance. A wonderful visit to a place where you'll leave with knowledge. And there's more on site at Fort Monroe. We''ll be back for some more tours when time persists :) read more

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The Casemate Museum at Fort Monroe is exceptionally well organized and free to visit. Be sure to swing by the Visitor Center to pick up a timed-entry ticket before heading across the bridge. They also offer guided walking tours throughout the day, though times vary. The fort itself is awe-inspiring- the largest bastion fort by area in the U.S., completed in 1834- and it's incredible to think it stood as a Union stronghold, designated "Freedom's Fortress," where escaping enslaved people found sanctuary during the Civil War. The massive interior arches are a testament to enduring design, and walking atop the fort offers an unforgettable connection to history. read more

Casemate Museum - Museums Near Me - Fort Monroe, Virginia

We just explored the outside part of the museum since we didn't know you had to get tickets at the visitor center. Before you were able to just waltz right in. But I think in order to get a proper head count and to regulate how many visitors visit they require you to now get tickets. Oh. The tickets are FREE! I mean who doesn't like "free 99?" Lol. You can go up top to the overlook area as well! They have parking reserved for the museum visitors as well. read more

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If you're a history buff you'll love this little museum of local history. To think the events actually took place right on the grounds of the museum. It doesn't take long to stroll around in the museum and on the grounds. The archways are very low. A plaque states that the average soldier back then was 5'8" and 143lbs! You can see the cell that Jefferson Davis was confined to for about four months before his health started to decline and he was moved to better living arrangements (his wife was allowed to visit daily, and even allowed to move in with him). It's completely free and totally worth a visit. read more

The Casemate Museum has gone through a lot of changes since the last time I was here (in the early 2010s). I enjoyed the museum then, and I enjoy it even more now! Immerse yourself in war history at the Casemate. Visitors can learn about the beginnings of Fort Monroe and understand why the fort was built. While checking out this unique structure, you'll also learn about the role that the fort played in many of history's most compelling moments like the Civil War, the fight to freedom for enslaved people, and much more. This museum allows you to revel in the fort's social aspect and gives you a glimpse into the social life of local military leaders, residents and visitors. I love that the Casemate, as well as other sites on the fort, honor the history of the first Africans in English-speaking America as well as the Contrabands. The Casemate is just a short walk to the historic marker for the first Africans that arrived here in1619, the Old Point Comfort Lighthouse, Outlook Beach, the historic Chamberlin and the Fort Monroe Visitor Center. From the museum, you can also walk or ride around the inside of the moat and see the home where Abraham Lincoln stayed for a few days while visiting the fort (Quarters No. 1 - the oldest house inside the moat). Inside of the Casemate, you can also view the door from the cell that once held Jefferson Davis and you can decide for yourself whether or not this famed and scorned figure was a hero, traitor, or rebel. As a true lover of Hampton history, I will say, this is a great place to experience if you're a local or visiting history buff! read more

Casemate Museum - Inside the Casemate. - Museums Near Me - Fort Monroe, Virginia

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Free! Fantastic and Free!!!! Beautiful museum filled with history and knowledge. It even has a wonderful gift store at the end. read more

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This museum is great if you love war history.... Or history for that matter. Walking through the casemates was an experience in itself. The museum was free entrance (not sure if it always is) but it is worth touring even with a fee. read more

What an awesome visit today at the museum, it was truly amazing. We went thr on Monday, only to find that the museum was closed on Mondays. We decided to go back today and I am so glad that we did. The museum was an amazing display of historical artifacts, and stories about our history. The rooms and stagings were just so wonderfully done. I highly recommend going to this museum! read more

Awesome!! Free!! It closes at 4 p.m., but plan accordingly. What a wonderful piece of history to explore. I liked that you could just do it on your own. I started with the museum, ended up at the gift shop, got a map and took a walking tour all around Fort Monroe. It was a little rainy and time was limited, so I drove but on a good day with lots of time, it's a nice loop. Fort Monroe a military installation in Hampton, Virginia--at Old Point Comfort, the southern tip of the Virginia Peninsula. Within the 565 acres of Fort Monroe are 170 historic buildings and nearly 200 acres of natural resources, including 8 miles of waterfront, 3.2 miles of beaches on the Chesapeake Bay, 110 acres of submerged lands and 85 acres of wetlands. The museum is in the center, surrounded by water. Arriving with three ships under Captain Christopher Newport, Captain John Smith and the colonists of the Virginia Company established the settlement of Jamestown of the British Colony of Virginia on the James River in 1607. On their initial exploration, they recognized the strategic importance of the site at Old Point Comfort for purposes of coastal defense. They initially built Fort Algernourne (1609-1612) at the location of the present Fort Monroe. Fort Algernourne burned in 1612. In the latter part of August 1619, a Dutch ship, the White Lion, appeared off the coast of Old Point Comfort. Its cargo included more than 30 Africans captured from the slave ship Sao Joao Bautista. Traded for work and supplies from the English, they were the first Africans to come ashore on British-occupied land in what would become America. Although the Bantu Africans from Angola were considered indentured servants, their arrival is considered to mark the beginning of slavery in America. Two among the Africans arriving at Old Point Comfort in 1619 were named by the Spanish as Antonio and Isabella. In January 1624, she gave birth to the first African child born in America. Another fort, known only as "the fort at Old Point Comfort" was constructed in 1632, and destroyed by a hurricane in 1667. In 1728, Fort George was built on the site. Its masonry walls were destroyed by a hurricane in 1749, but the wood buildings within the fort continued to be used by a reduced force until at least 1775. In 1781, during the Siege of Yorktown, the French West Indian fleet established a battery on the ruins of Fort George. Throughout the Colonial period, fortifications were manned at the location from time to time. Following the War of 1812, the United States realized the need to protect Hampton Roads and the inland waters from attack by sea. In March 1819, President James Madison came up with a plan of building a network of coastal defenses. Construction of the fort began in earnest on the stone-and-brick fort which would serve as the safeguard for the Chesapeake Bay. It began construction in 1819 on what would become the largest stone fort ever built in the United States. Work continued for nearly twenty-five years, ending in 1834. During the Civil War, Fort Monroe was a Union-held bastion in the center of a Confederate state. On December 20, 1860, South Carolina became the first state to secede from the Union. Four months later, on April 12, 1861, troops of that state opened fire on Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor. Five days later, Virginia's legislature passed the Ordinance of Secession of Virginia to withdraw from the Union, and join the newly formed Confederate States of America. On May 23, 1861, voters of Virginia ratified the state's secession from the union. President Abraham Lincoln had Fort Monroe quickly reinforced so that it would not fall to Confederate forces. It was held by Union forces throughout the Civil War, which launched several sea and land expeditions from there. "Freedom's Fortress" helped shelter thousands of slave refugees. On May 27, 1861, Major General Benjamin Butler made his famous "contraband" decision, or "Fort Monroe Doctrine", determining that escaping slaves who reached Union lines would be considered contraband and not be returned to bondage. The order resulted in thousands of slaves fleeing to Union lines around Fort Monroe, which was Butler's headquarters in Virginia. Fort Monroe became called "Freedom's Fortress", as any slave reaching it would be free. Harriet Tubman was even a nurse here! Jefferson Davis imprisoned here too! read more

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We took our grandsons to the casement museum. They especially enjoyed the gift shop full of telescopes and guns. Then they and my husband walked the top of the entire fort after...which they enjoyed a lot. We will be back! read more

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This is a museum that was newly inducted into the National Park Services in Nov of 2011. Go online to see the signing by President Obama. Anyways, of course it showed up in the National Parks Passport and I was eager to go get my stamp! What you need to do is to get on the bridge to get to the island. Once there, you'll see a bunch of historic houses for sale or rent and then you pass through a very narrow tunnel with a stop light. You make a right once you're through and fall it to the end (there are sign guiding you) and you'll see a small set of parking spots and a giant flag that says Casemates museum. Park your car (it's free) and follow the signs to the museum. It's actually quite extensive and allows you to read about the history here of the fort that was in the Union hands during the Civil War. At the very end, you'll hit a gift shop and they have a stamp, but you have to ask for it. All in all, it will take you about 45 min if you're just looking around. If you want to read everything, allot an hour and half to 2 hours. Fun place! BTW no admission fees. read more

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An impromptu visit to Fort Monroe brought us here-and what a pleasant trip that was! This is a very well kept and laid out museum. It's short and sweet and appeals to the militaria nerd with plenty of relics from the various areas and a plethora of history on heavy coast defense weaponry. Highly recommend for a short excursion into history-oh and don't forget to go up to the ramparts outside and view the pet cemetery! read more

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I was in the area on Father's Day. We were planning to have lunch at the Chamberlin, in The Chesapeake Dinning Room (open to the public). We had time to kill, so we walked over to the Casemate Museum, located in Fort Monroe. Pretty cool museum. Very informative. Coolest bit is this is where Confederate president Jefferson Davis was imprisoned (at Fort Monroe). You can even stand in his cell, where he was guarded 24x7 by four guards. The info on the coastal guns was impressive too. I had no idea how big the shells are/were, nor how far they could be fired. The plotting board was 100% mechanical and totally genius. See this picture, #90 https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/casemate-museum-fort-monroe?select=nxlxfcZByfPCFoVI4G16AQ (I'll be uploading my own too, soon). I also think I read that Edgar Allan Poe enlisted in the army here. He used the name Edgar A. Perry and lied about his age. FYI, there are seasonal hours : Open Monday-Sunday 10:30am - 4:30pm Memorial Day to Labor Day Tuesday-Sunday for the remainder of the year. Museum is closed Easter, Thanksgiving Day, December 24, December 25, December 31, and January 1. Bottom line: Well worth the price of admission (free). read more

I went here for the moat. It is one of the only forts surrounded by a moat...how cool is that!!! I got more than I bargained for!!! First the outside is a wonder to walk...the views and the water make it very scenic. The inside was great and I did not know that this was where Jefferson Davis was incarcerated or that Robert E. Lee helped build this...very historically significant museum...and free!!! read more

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One of my favorites! Took the boy there today as it was a beautiful Saturday and that makes Fort Monroe the perfect destination for a day trip. In an area full of history and attractions, it's so nice to find a museum that is free! If you've never been to the fort it's a MUST when in the area. The waking tour is fantastic (and a healthy option!). The museum itself is well done (though a little dated). It covers the early days of the first fortification (1609) all the way up to the decommissioning in 2011. The highlight for me was standing in the casemate where Jefferson Davis was incarcerated after the civil war ended. Definitely add this one to your list on your vacation! And if you are local, like us, there's no excuse to miss this one. read more

Very well done in all aspects! Well maintained and not busy at all...it was in January on cold day so I am sure that helped. Exhibits and artifacts were all well done. The only warning is that the inside of the Casemate is very tight with a low roof so if claustrophobia is an issue for you be prepared to have some "oh boy this is freaking me out" moments. A great starting place for the walking tour of the rest of Ft Monroe. read more

Casemate Museum - Museums Near Me - Fort Monroe, Virginia

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I love the little case mate museum. The history is amazing and I love the setup inside. Been several times and staff has always been way more than pleasant and informative. Truly good people and good museum. read more

A Great Place. Loved the museum, a good time. Took about 45 minutes to walk through. Very insightful on the Civil War. If you like history, you'll love this place. Highly recommended and completely free. read more

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This is a wonderful museum and it's free! In addition you can take a walking tour of the grounds. Lots of beach around and the Chamberlin is there as well. A great place to take the family and experience some history. read more

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Another exciting travel through time with the Civil War Trails. I took my munchkins to the Casemate Museum to check out to see what historic mystery we can unravel. I have to say, out of the 14 sites we've been to (to include Hampton, Newport News, and Richmond) this is my favorite site thus far. While the museum is piece together nicely with civil war mannequins demonstrating how they use to live and work. There is also a nice walking tour to view before or after visiting the museum. With the 64 degree weather we had today it was a beautiful walk. This is my rainy day event just in case it's that Saturday where I have absolutely nothing to do. Try it! read more

My husband and I went on a Sunday afternoon! It was beautiful! It's a huge perk that this amazing piece of history is free... Also, that around the Fort- ITS BEAUTIFUL OUTSIDE, TOO! Make sure when you come here to give it an entire day! There's so much beautiful architect and views to see even when you're walking around the fort.. It's awesome. We learned a lot through the museum! I highly recommend for anyone who is a history junkie! Since it's a self tour, make sure to bring your reading glasses! A TON of information to read!! :) read more

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Quite possibly the best museum I have ever been to in my life. Today I was in Jefferson Davis' gaol cell. In 1609 the Brits set up a fort here, by the early 19th Century the US government decided to improve its coastal defenses. They built a fort here, a young Engineers Corps lieutenant called Robert E. Lee supervised the construction. Over 30 years later it became the gaol for the former president of the confederacy. What perfect bookends to the Civil War. The museum is amazing. It is built into the fortress walls. It starts off in the early days when the colonials set up camp here. It follows the amazing history of America from colonial times, the revolutionary war, the civil war right up to today. It is a truly incredible place. A phenomenal combination of place and history. The first major naval battle of the modern world was held outside its walls. The house that Robert E Lee lived in when he built it is still lived in by US soldiers today. Abraham Lincoln was here. McClelland launched his ill-fated penninsular campaign from here. But best of all is Jeff Davis' gaol cell. The victors hung a union flag - 35 stars - the 35th being west Virginia - in his cell all during his incarceration. It is the biggest stone construction in the entire USA. They call it Freedom Fort as the commandant at the time took 3 salves in - from a Secesh captain - as war contraband - and over time slaves came to the place for their freedom. It was the only Union fort in the South through the Civil War. It occupies an incredibly beautiful spot on the Chesapeake. Oh - and due to BRAC it is closing in about 3 years. Real estate developers here we come. Go there before the whole place turns into post apartments hampton. read more

Rooster R. and Eric C. wrote very thorough reviews so I'm not going to duplicate their terrific work. I will add one nugget in that Fort Monroe is also the site where slavery began and ended in America. I was inspired to visit after reading this NY Times article - http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/03/magazine/mag-03CivilWar-t.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0 Based upon some old maps, we deducted that Old Point Comfort was located just beyond the existing lighthouse. There was no plaque or historic marker to indicate that this was the site where in 1619 Dutch sailors traded 20 Angolan slaves for supplies with English Settlers, thus changing our nation's history forever. Our GPS could not find the museum using the 20 Bernard Road address. You have to cross one of the little bridges across the moat and enter into the fort. There is a loop around the fort so just keep driving until you see the signs for the museum. We visited on a Friday and were the only ones. Shame. read more

A really important place in US history. Built to defend Hampton Roads, under the watchful eye of newly commisioned West Point engineer, Robert E. Lee. The beast Butler gave entrance to escaped slaves which encouraged thousands more to cross over to Union lines throughout the war. The place CSA president Jefferson Davis was imprisioned for two years. read more

Small piece of History. Best part is that it Free!Closed on Mondays. We walked atriums at our leisure, took pics and enjoyed some history! Bring a sweater as it tends to get chilly. Nice little outing when your looking for something to do and explore read more

I ventured into this museum, fully unaware of what a casemate was, nor why they were museum-worthy. Also, Why the collection was being stored in a Fort. Well, what a surprise. after winding my way viewing the several 'CASEMATES,' I learned how they were used, which historical and political figures were involved with each one, even that Edgar Allen Poe wrote his famous ANNABELLE LEE while inside of one... Casemates are large, diverse, adaptable, and strong! WHO KNEW? read more

Fort Monroe & The Casemate Museum are National Treasures. The history of this location goes back to the first colonists. This has always been a strategic location at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. The Casemate features displays from various periods of history to give you a feel of appropriate dress and fire power. It also tells the story of more notable figures who have been a part of the history either in the military or as a prisoner of war. President Lincoln actively planned the assault to recapture Norfolk from here. The CSS Virginia and USS Monitor were engaged in these waters. Jefferson Davis and Chief Black Hawk were held here. Edgar Allan Poe served here under an assumed name, then accepted an commission to West Point. Robert E Lee was an engineer shoring up various construction projects including the proper depth of the moat and Ft Wool off shore in the bay. Maj General Butler declared runaway slaves to be Contrabands of War which laid the legal middle ground that paved the way to the Emancipation Proclamation. This was known as Freedoms Fort and as slaves found there way to the fort to Liberty they built a size-able town. Fort Monroe was a thorn in the side of the Confederacy. The largest fort in America and it was used by the Union to stage many assaults. It's importance didn't end with the Civil War it was vital to protecting this harbor up until recent history. The weaponry was constantly upgraded to fit the times, yet when you are here you feel the since of history. read more

This is a wonderful stop for an afternoon of learning of the regional history. The cost is free but please do drop a tip at the gift shop. We took scouts who worked on a special badge by completing the history trail. THe displays are nice and the guided tour we had, very informative. read more

This museum is a great place to have a history lesson about what was happening in this area related to the military. I feel like you could spend half a day here if you are history buff. They have volunteer staff who do a great job. It's a cool little area that I'd never been to while living here before. I'd say take some time to check it out if you are here. read more

I worked at Fort Monroe for 42 years. I would often visit the casemate museum and found the atmosphere to be welcoming and all employees were very nice and informative. You would just walk in and enjoy the people and exhibits. I always told people to visit the museum. I invited friends from out of state to come to the museum with my family. Today, 9 Oct 22, my experience was terrible and I will not recommend the museum to anyone. We know that because of Covid that admission changes have to be made. On the museum website the policy is to obtain admission tickets on a timed entry from a visitor center that is outside the moat a mile away and then go to the museum. The hours were 10-4. We went to the visitor center at 10:30 with masks on and it was not open. The sign on the door said open Monday- Friday 9-5. So then we went to the museum. The hours said 10-4. By then it was 10:45. The door was locked and a sign said to ring the bell. We did and an extremely rude woman answered the door and said we were not getting in without a ticket and the visitor office was open and even though there was no one at the museum, the parking lot was empty and we had masks on she was not going to let us in no matter what. All in my pary were over 70 years old and she spoke to us in a very rude and condescending manner and then shut the door in our face. I know that being rude is quite often a trait among people these days and it seems that people in charge of representing their attractions seem to have acquired that trait, but I wish they would understand how bad it makes people feel and how many miles that people travel to visit their museum. It also makes people that are treated badly want to spread their story to others so that it does not happen to them. There was no reason in the world we could not have visited the museum today. Somehow it should have been allowed to happen. read more

Neat little historical museum in a special military place. Pretty cool! It's small and not especially easy to get around in, but not especially challenging either. read more

Such a cool place, beautiful, and free... Can't beat it.. Also love the self guided tour and the walking and driving tour... Would love to come back in summer when it is not freezing!! read more

This museum is at the top of my list as one of the best museums to visit. It was a spur of the moment trip and to be honest I wasn't expecting much. I really enjoyed seeing the "feminine side of Fort Monroe." The whole museum has an eerie feeling and the mannequins add to that feeling. Maybe that's because it makes it a little more life like. There were uniforms, dishes and even pictures from back then. We stood inside a prison cell and at "the bar." This is a must see. We enjoyed our visit here. read more

Not a ton of interactive exhibits but my 9 year old enjoyed it as much as my husband and I. Lots of information provided and the displays are fantastic. Walking around the fort provides some excellent scenery. More than worth the price of admission. You can't beat free. read more

This is a super museum! All three of my kids really enjoyed it and learned a lot. I won't spoil it for you. This is a must do for those who enjoy history and museums. We toured all over Fort Monroe. All of it is very impressive. But, the museum gives you all the facts about why it was built and who was there. Come see for yourself. You won't be sorry. read more

Great free museum at Fort Monroe. Lots of information that was spaced out and easy to navigate. Learning more about the time General Lee, Jefferson Davis, and even President Lincoln spent there was very cool. Nice long museum with with renovated rooms to step back in time, ends at the gift shop. Hopefully the gift shop lady will be in a better mood when you visit then when we were there. Our group of 4 had several books and trinkets to checkout and her attitude almost made us drop everything and walk out, but I won't penalize the museum for that. read more

Nothing less than AWESOME. Imagine being the same room where Jefferson Davis was locked up in?

I wasn't expecting much but was looking for something to do on a drizzly Sunday afternoon. All I can say is wow! What a fascinating place! Walking through this museum is like traveling back in time. There is so much to see and learn that even on a dreary day outside I was fully occupied for a few hours inside. I absolutely recommend visiting here no matter what time of year. If the weather is good then that's a bonus that you can explore the grounds of Fort Monroe but the Casemate Museum is worth a trip on its own. read more