Fort Monroe History
Fort Monroe, Virginia
General Overview
Fort Monroe in Hampton, Virginia has incredible significance throughout history. Originally named Fort Algernourne and referred to as Freedom’s Fortress during the Civil War; this installation was built for strategic military defense and protection of the Chesapeake Bay, as well as, for our newborn nation. The garrison was chosen for closure after 188 years of service but is now recognized as a national park and national monument.
Region Relevance Fort Monroe is a peninsula; land almost entirely surrounded by water and is projecting out into the Chesapeake Bay. This landmass is considered a coastal plain because passed the fall line the land is mostly flat and is bordered by a large area of water. The …show more content…
During the Civil War, Freedom’s Fortress would allow self-emancipated men to escape slavery and find solace within the fort’s walls, ignoring the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 and seceding from the Union (Jordan 2015). Now a closed military installation as of 2011, it is a residential neighborhood with local businesses. You can find a marina, restaurants, most especially the historic Casemate Museum which contains the military history of Fort Monroe all the way back to the construction of Fort Algernourne. When walking around Fort Monroe you will see renovated and updated colonial style homes where top military official used to reside. The Victorian village style is quaint with this close-knit community. Once a busy military compound is now a relaxed area for families and business. Along the 3-mile stretch of beach by the Chesapeake Bay, there are old bunkers and a 54-foot-tall lighthouse built in 1775 which still continues to be used by the Navy, mariners and Coast Guard along the Hampton Harbor. Major weather concerns are between June and November during hurricane season, where there are often severe storms. Mill Creek is found on the interior of the land, a 53-acre saltmarsh separating the area from the mainland. (National Park Service …show more content…
Now 325.21-acres of national park, where they preserve natural wildlife and military history. Old Point Comfort was known for its natural docks and its importance to cultural, trading, and political events. Historians have uncovered evidence that Native American’s prospered around this region, with its natural water source, rich fertile soil, and bountiful vegetation. (National Park Service 2015) With modern industrial development water quality of the Chesapeake Bay has degraded. The natural balances of meadows and farmland absorbing and filtering beneficial nutrients allowed for a healthy mutual relationship. In this modern time of pollution, there has been a significant rise in nitrogen and phosphorus levels; by way of treatment plants, emissions, and watercrafts. We need to become more aware of our impact on this environment and the mistreatment of natural resources. By employing nutrient management and conservation plans we could reduce pollution and the damage done to the area. (CBF
General Overview
Fort Monroe in Hampton, Virginia has incredible significance throughout history. Originally named Fort Algernourne and referred to as Freedom’s Fortress during the Civil War; this installation was built for strategic military defense and protection of the Chesapeake Bay, as well as, for our newborn nation. The garrison was chosen for closure after 188 years of service but is now recognized as a national park and national monument.
Region Relevance Fort Monroe is a peninsula; land almost entirely surrounded by water and is projecting out into the Chesapeake Bay. This landmass is considered a coastal plain because passed the fall line the land is mostly flat and is bordered by a large area of water. The …show more content…
During the Civil War, Freedom’s Fortress would allow self-emancipated men to escape slavery and find solace within the fort’s walls, ignoring the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 and seceding from the Union (Jordan 2015). Now a closed military installation as of 2011, it is a residential neighborhood with local businesses. You can find a marina, restaurants, most especially the historic Casemate Museum which contains the military history of Fort Monroe all the way back to the construction of Fort Algernourne. When walking around Fort Monroe you will see renovated and updated colonial style homes where top military official used to reside. The Victorian village style is quaint with this close-knit community. Once a busy military compound is now a relaxed area for families and business. Along the 3-mile stretch of beach by the Chesapeake Bay, there are old bunkers and a 54-foot-tall lighthouse built in 1775 which still continues to be used by the Navy, mariners and Coast Guard along the Hampton Harbor. Major weather concerns are between June and November during hurricane season, where there are often severe storms. Mill Creek is found on the interior of the land, a 53-acre saltmarsh separating the area from the mainland. (National Park Service …show more content…
Now 325.21-acres of national park, where they preserve natural wildlife and military history. Old Point Comfort was known for its natural docks and its importance to cultural, trading, and political events. Historians have uncovered evidence that Native American’s prospered around this region, with its natural water source, rich fertile soil, and bountiful vegetation. (National Park Service 2015) With modern industrial development water quality of the Chesapeake Bay has degraded. The natural balances of meadows and farmland absorbing and filtering beneficial nutrients allowed for a healthy mutual relationship. In this modern time of pollution, there has been a significant rise in nitrogen and phosphorus levels; by way of treatment plants, emissions, and watercrafts. We need to become more aware of our impact on this environment and the mistreatment of natural resources. By employing nutrient management and conservation plans we could reduce pollution and the damage done to the area. (CBF