Casemate Museum
Explore the 'Freedom Fortress' and its casemates, uncovering centuries of military history from colonial times to the Civil War.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Museum hours for exploration
Casemate Museum
Best Time
Museum hours for exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the 'Freedom Fortress' and its casemates, uncovering centuries of military history from colonial times to the Civil War.
"A must-see for history buffs, offering free admission and a deep dive into Fort Monroe's past."
🎟️ Get Tickets First!
Pick up your FREE tickets at the Visitor Center before heading to the museum.
🚶♀️ Explore the Grounds
Combine your museum visit with a walk around Fort Monroe for stunning views and more history.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Jefferson Davis Captivity
Casemate Museum
Learn about the imprisonment of Confederate President Jefferson Davis for two years after the Civil War.
Freedom Fortress History
Casemate Museum
Discover Fort Monroe's role as the 'Freedom Fortress' and its significance from colonial times to modern military history.
Colonial & Native American Relations
Casemate Museum
Explore exhibits detailing the arrival of first settlers and their interactions with Native Americans.
Pet Cemetery Views
On top of the museum
Visit the unique pet cemetery located on top of the museum for spectacular views of the fort and surrounding area.
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Planning Your Visit
Free Admission & Ticket Pickup
Combine with Fort Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Get Tickets First!
Pick up your FREE tickets at the Visitor Center before heading to the museum.
🚶♀️ Explore the Grounds
Combine your museum visit with a walk around Fort Monroe for stunning views and more history.
📸 Great Photo Ops
The fort and pet cemetery offer fantastic opportunities for photographers. +1
👨👩👧 Kid-Friendly History
Even younger visitors enjoy the exhibits and the unique setting of the fort.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Get Tickets First!
Pick up your FREE tickets at the Visitor Center before heading to the museum.
🚶♀️ Explore the Grounds
Combine your museum visit with a walk around Fort Monroe for stunning views and more history.
📸 Great Photo Ops
The fort and pet cemetery offer fantastic opportunities for photographers. +1
👨👩👧 Kid-Friendly History
Even younger visitors enjoy the exhibits and the unique setting of the fort.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Enjoy a meal on the beaches outside the fort after your visit, weather permitting.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Casemate Museum and Fort Monroe for its rich history, free admission, and impressive architecture. Many highlight the educational value for all ages and the unique experience of exploring the fort's casemates and grounds. Some note that certain exhibits may have changed, but the overall historical significance and scenic beauty remain major draws.
"The best history location around. You get to go into the fort and see jow the fought. Tells the histrory from the first settlers to reach the Bay and how they treated the native americans. Also how the african people played a big part in the nations history. The construction of the fort is awesome."
Erna Bright
"A very interesting and informative museum tour. Highly recommend. You have to get your tickets at the information center and admission is free."
Brent Garner
"If you’re a history buff this is a must see if your in the area visiting or if you live in the area and have never been. It’s an old military base with a museum and lots of history. Beautiful old houses and church. The museum has lots to offer and you can walk the grounds of the base freely. I will say that they do have some civilians occupying some of the dwellings so please just be mindful. We wouldn’t want to trespass in others property. Fort Monroe is very educational. It is surrounded by a moat and you can walk up the steps outside the museum and visit an actual pet cemetery as you walk on top of the museum and take in spectacular views as the museum itself is actually built into the ground. It doesn’t cost anything but you will have to obtain tickets that you can get at the information center located just steps away from the museum itself."
Star Ryan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Casemate Museum is located within Fort Monroe. Set your GPS to Fort Monroe and follow signs for the Visitor Center to pick up your tickets. It's a short walk from there to the museum.
Yes, there is parking available at Fort Monroe. You can typically find parking near the Visitor Center and then walk to the museum.
Absolutely! You can walk the grounds of Fort Monroe freely, explore the historic buildings, and enjoy the scenic views even if you don't visit the museum.
Many visitors recommend combining a visit to the Casemate Museum with a walk around the fort's grounds, including the moat and the pet cemetery.
While the museum itself doesn't have dining, there are dining options within Fort Monroe and nearby Phoebus. Some visitors suggest combining a visit with a meal at a restaurant with a terrace view like 'Buitengoed Slavante' in Maastricht (though this seems to be a mix-up with another location).
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to the Casemate Museum is FREE! However, you must obtain tickets from the Visitor Center before entering.
Tickets must be picked up at the Fort Monroe Visitor Center, which is located a short walk from the museum.
The museum is typically open from 10 AM to 4 PM, Wednesday through Sunday. It's always a good idea to check their official website for the most up-to-date hours.
Tickets are generally easy to get, with visitors being let in every 15 minutes. Advance booking is usually not required, but picking them up at the Visitor Center is mandatory.
The museum focuses on the history of Fort Monroe, including its role in the Civil War and the imprisonment of Jefferson Davis. Some exhibits may have changed due to flood damage in 2020.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Most visitors spend about 40 minutes to an hour exploring the museum. However, you could easily spend longer if you combine it with a thorough exploration of Fort Monroe.
The museum is uniquely built into the ground, part of the massive stone structure of Fort Monroe.
It covers Fort Monroe's history from its colonial roots, its military significance through various eras, including the Civil War, and its role as the 'Freedom Fortress'.
The grounds of Fort Monroe are quite accessible, and the museum itself is designed to be explored.
Located on top of the Casemate Museum, the pet cemetery is a unique historical feature offering great views of the fort.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, the entire Fort Monroe area, including the casemates, moat, and the pet cemetery on top of the museum, offers excellent photography opportunities. +1
Consider the exterior of the casemates, the moat area, the historic buildings, and the panoramic views from the top of the museum where the pet cemetery is located.
Photography policies inside museums can vary. It's best to check for signage or ask a museum attendant upon arrival.
Many photographers capture the architectural details of the fort, the coastal scenery, and historical reenactments if available.
For photographers interested in military history, architecture, and coastal landscapes, Fort Monroe is definitely worth a visit.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Don't miss the pet cemetery on top of the museum; it's a quirky spot that often sparks curiosity in younger visitors. The overall experience at Fort Monroe offers a blend of history and open space, making it a solid choice for a family day trip where kids can learn and play.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Beyond the fort's structure, the pet cemetery atop the museum is a unique and photogenic spot, offering elevated views. The coastal location also means beautiful light, especially during sunrise and sunset. Whether you're into historical architecture, landscape, or even street photography (if there are reenactments), Fort Monroe offers a rich canvas.
📚 History Buffs
Beyond the museum's exhibits, exploring the fort's grounds allows for a more immersive historical experience. You can walk the ramparts, imagine the soldiers stationed there, and appreciate the sheer scale of this historic military installation. The casemate museum provides a focused look, while the entire fort offers a broader historical context.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Fort Monroe and its Casemates
+1One of the most significant historical events associated with the casemates is the imprisonment of Confederate President Jefferson Davis following the Civil War. He was held captive in one of these casemates for two years, a period that is a key focus of the museum's exhibits. The museum also chronicles the fort's role from its colonial beginnings, its interactions with Native Americans, and the significant contributions of African Americans to the nation's history, particularly during and after the Civil War.
The Casemate Museum of Fort Monroe itself is uniquely integrated into the fort's structure, built into the ground. This offers visitors a tangible connection to the past, allowing them to walk through the very spaces where history unfolded. The museum's exhibits aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the fort's evolution and its impact on American history, making it a vital stop for anyone interested in military and colonial heritage.
Visiting Fort Monroe: Practical Tips from Travelers
Many visitors recommend combining your museum tour with an exploration of the entire Fort Monroe grounds. The fort itself is a magnificent structure surrounded by a moat, and walking its ramparts offers stunning views. A particularly unique spot is the pet cemetery, located on top of the museum, which provides a panoramic vista of the area and is a popular spot for photos.
Photography enthusiasts will find plenty to capture, from the imposing architecture of the fort to the scenic coastal landscapes. The casemate museum of Fort Monroe and its surroundings offer a wealth of visual interest. While the museum itself provides a deep dive into history, the broader Fort Monroe area offers opportunities for capturing both historical and natural beauty.
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