The Local Forts

There's an interesting article in today's Daily Press on Fort Wool, an old Army post that millions have seen but few really know about.  The article talks about how the 150th anniversary of the Civil War and the pending Army withdrawal from nearby Fort Monroe have sparked a renewed interest in Fort Wool.

Fort Wool sits next to the south island of the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel; the fort's lookout tower is a familiar site for drivers heading from Norfolk into Hampton.  It and Fort Monroe were built to guard the entrance to the harbor following the War of 1812.  The island on which Fort Wool sits was once the summer White House for President Andrew Jackson.  Fort Wool was abandoned by the Army in the 1960's and given to the state of Virginia.  The city of Hampton leases the island and maintains the fort and the large American flag on the island.

Both forts are open for tours but only Fort Monroe is accessible by car.  A walking tour of Fort Wool is part of the Miss Hampton II harbor cruise that runs April through October. 

Fort Monroe is home to the Casemate Museum, which offers a history of the fort.  Admission to the museum is free.

Links:
Daily Press article about Fort Wool
Miss Hampton II Harbor Tours to Fort Wool
Fort Monroe's Official Site