Fort Monroe is found in the city of Hampton, Virginia, close to Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Yorktown, Newport News, and Williamsburg. Fort Monroe is on the tip of the Virginia Peninsula. Fort Monroe is the third oldest continuously operating military installation in the United States.
Fort Monroe's construction was completed in 1834 and it was named in honor of President James Monroe. Fort Monroe is recognized as the largest stone fort ever built in the United States. Nicknamed "Freedom's Fortress," this Union-held fortification provided a safe haven for hundreds of runaway slaves during the Civil War. It was here that the Army of the Potomac landed before beginning the march toward Richmond. Completely surrounded by a moat, the six-sided stone fort is the only one of its kind left in the United States that is still an active Army post, however Fort Monroe is one of several posts selected to be closed by September 2011. Many of its functions are being transferred to nearby Fort Eustis.
Today, Fort Monroe is home to the Army's Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC). TRADOC supports the Army's operational fighting forces through the development of doctrine and equipment requirements, in designing organization, and in training for combat. Since World War II the major headquarters that have been stationed here have all been responsible for training soldiers for war. Fort Monroe continues to have an important effect on the history of our nation and the Army.
Official Website for Fort Monroe
