Civil War Travel
The Civil War history in our nearly 400 year-old settlement will amaze you – and so will the charm and variety of other Hampton attractions and activities. Plan your own campaign through the exploration of our popular historic spots!
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Robert E. Lee and George McClellan slept here! |
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Hampton played host to some of the most celebrated characters in Civil War history. And they definitely left their mark. From Hampton’s historic military forts to the famous “Battle of the Ironclads,” you’ll experience the drama of the Civil War in a way you’ll never forget. Spend your family vacation re-living Hampton's Civil War imprint through the following enriching sites marked by Civil War Trails interpretation: |
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Casemate Museum at Fort Monroe |
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The largest stone fort ever built in the U.S., Fort Monroe is headquarters for the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command. Within the historic fort's stone walls is the Casemate Museum, which chronicles the history of the fort and the Coast Artillery Corps. During the Civil War, more than 6,000 slaves escaped to Union-held Fort Monroe, earning it the nickname "Freedom's Fortress." | |
| A hightlight is the cell where Confederate President Jefferson Davis was imprisoned. Additional Fort Monroe sites to note are Old Point Comfort Light, Chapel of the Centurion and Lt. Robert E. Lee's quarters. | ||
| Fort Wool | |||
| This island fortress, dating to 1819, was partially constructed under the direction of Lt. Robert E. Lee, and played an active role during the Civil War, protecting the entrance to the Hampton Roads harbor. It served as a companion to Fort Monroe and was used in operations against Confederate -held Norfolk in 1861-62. Although not accessible by car, it is easy to view from the Chesapeake Bay shore of Fort Monroe and is featured during the Miss Hampton II harbor tour. |  |
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| Saint John's Church | ||
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Established in 1610, St. John's is the oldest English-speaking parish in continuous service in America and it is the only colonial structure in downtown Hampton that survived the town's burning during the Civil War. Our small port town was burned down on August 7, 1861 by local Confederates to prevent its fall into Union hands. The current parish has been at its present site on lovely Queens Way since 1728. | |
| Among the church's most prized possessions is the stain-glass window depicting the baptism of Pocahontas. It was given to the church by Native American students from the Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute in 1887. | ||
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more Civil War Sites |
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