The Deadly History Of This Virginia Fortress Is Terrifying But True
By Beth|Published January 16, 2017
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Beth
Author
A lifelong Virginia resident, Beth loves exploring different parts of the world and currently resides in Charlottesville. She holds a degree in English Literature and one of her short stories has been featured in the Shenandoah Review. Other interests include hiking, songwriting, and spending time in the mountains.
The history behind Fort Monroe is a vast and complicated one. Built in the 1600s to protect the state’s mainland, Fort Monroe symbolized different things to different groups of people. Regardless of this evolving identity, the importance of this National Landmark is indisputable.
Having been witness to so many events over the past centuries, the fortress is — perhaps unsurprisingly — the subject of much intrigue. Not only does its history have a haunting undertone; it’s speculated that the area itself may be actually haunted. And by whom? The stories may just surprise you.
Fort Monroe is located in Hampton, Virginia where it was formed in the early 17th century. A significant and revered National Monument, Fort Monroe tells the tale of American history from its earliest days until present day. This structure has served as an important barrier and is actually the largest stone fort to have ever been built in the United States.
Due to its location at the confluence of the James, Nansemond, and Elizabeth river, it was identified in the 1660s as an important location for defense. Fortifications at this site began as early as 1609, although it wasn’t until 1834 that Fort Monroe as we know it was completed.
Despite Virginia’s allegiance to the Confederacy during the Civil War, Fort Monroe was actually monitored by the Union army. It was during this time that the fortress took on a majority of its significance. For one, it stood as a symbolic beacon of freedom for former slaves at the time of the War. According to the Fort Monroe Doctrine, any slaves behind the Union Line would be protected.
Fort Monroe was also the location of Jefferson Davis’ imprisonment. Davis had been wrongfully blamed for the assassination of President Lincoln and was therefore kept here under strict watch. According to legend, Davis' wife used to wait at her window, peering out towards the Fort in hopes of catching a glimpse at her imprisoned husband during his brief time allowed outdoors.
By the 20th century, Fort Monroe was used as the location of the Coast Artillery School and in later years, the United States Army Training and Doctrine Committee. In September of 2011, the Fort was decommissioned and plans for its future role in Hampton are in the works.
With such a vast, complicated history, it’s no mystery why Fort Monroe is allegedly haunted. In light of colonial struggles and wartime, this fortress has seen its fair share of triumph and struggle. What’s perhaps most fascinating is the ghosts that have been reported here aren’t just nameless figures — they’re noteworthy historical figures.
Among the list of ghosts spotted here are (perhaps not surprisingly) Jefferson Davis, Ulysses S. Grant, Chief Black Hawk, Edgar Allan Poe, and Abraham Lincoln. Some visitors to the site have even reported spotting a similar version of what is known as the Loch Ness Monster, identifying the creature as the "moat monster." While these are just claims and speculations, the U.S. Army even features a story about the haunted nature of Fort Monroe on its website.
For a fascinating account of Fort Monroe’s haunted associations, as told by the U.S. Army, click here. What did you think about these stories? Be sure to share your thoughts with us.
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