The Casemate Museum,Fort Monroe VA

Constructed from 1819-1834 it was originally designed to protect the Hampton Roads waterway from an enemy attack.

It is the largest stone fortification built in the United States with walls stretching 1.3 miles and enclosing 63 acres.

The sign reads that President Lincoln stayed at this barrack. 

 The Casemate Museum opened on June 1, 1951 to display the cell where the Confederate President Jefferson Davis was imprisoned after the Civil War. Since then, the museum has expanded to depict the history of Fort Monroe  and the U.S. Army Cost Artillery Corps. The museum highlights Major General Benjamin Butlers Contraband of Was decision which on May 23, 1861 granted refuge to three escaped slaves. Thousands more followed and Fort Monroe became known as the Freedom Fort.

We were parked on the waterfront so enjoyed the entire day on the shore. Wonderful long walk on the paved path along the waters edge.

Entering the 17.6 mile Chesapeake Bridge/tunnel to Virginia’s Eastern Shore.