Fort Monroe used to be an active military base, completed way back when in 1834, but now it’s home to the Casemate Museum. The museum chronicles the history of Fort Monroe, which happens to be the largest stone fort in the United States, and was a stronghold for the Union and Union soldiers during the Civil War. Once the war was over, the fort was home to Confederate President Jefferson Davis for a brief time. It has been 126 years since Davis died but interest in his time spent at the fort remains strong.
After his capture in May 1865, just one month after the Civil War ended, Davis spent two years at the fort. The cell he spent a portion of his time in, 4-1/2 months to be exact, is the same one on display at the Casemate Museum within the fort. He was locked away in Casemate No. 2 with nothing more than a cot, a shelf, a bible, a table and chair. And for good measure the 35-star American flag was hung on the wall to rub his defeat in his face just a bit more.
Whether you care about Davis and his being held there as prisoner or not, the museum itself highlights an interesting historical collection of items and the fort itself is really cool. If self-guided tours are your thing you can get in for free and wander around a bit. Guided tours are available, and offer a bit more substance and history during your trip, for groups of 10 or more and cost $3 per person.
Open Monday-Sunday 10:30am – 4:30pm Memorial Day to Labor Day
Tuesday-Sunday for the remainder of the year
Phone: (757) 788-3391
Fax: (757) 788-3386
Email casematetours@fmauthority.com
Address: 20 Bernard Road, Fort Monroe, VA 23651
Image via Pixabay
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