Fort Monroe National Historical Park Establishment Act

This bill would create Fort Monroe National Historical Park in Virginia. It would protect and share the history of Old Point Comfort and Fort Monroe, including the first arrival of captive Africans in English North America, the Civil War “Contraband Decision” that opened a path to freedom, the service of United States Colored Troops, and the site’s roles from the War of 1812 through coastal defense and training. It would replace the current Fort Monroe National Monument, folding its land and any remaining funds into the new park.

Key points

• Who: Visitors and communities in Virginia; the National Park Service would manage the park.
• What changes: The monument becomes a national historical park, and any mention of the monument in laws or maps would mean the new park. The park’s boundary would follow a map dated June 2024, kept on file at National Park Service offices; land could be added only from willing sellers, donations, exchanges, or transfers. The Secretary of the Interior could partner with Virginia and others to preserve nearby historic places, with conditions like reasonable public access and a federal cost share capped at 50% (in‑kind help can count). The park superintendent may serve, without a vote, on local boards that affect Fort Monroe’s resources and education goals. State and local powers stay the same on non‑federal land; federal authority on federal land does not change. If a state‑owned historic building in the landmark district is lost, it may be replaced so long as it meets historic preservation standards; reusing interiors of non‑federal historic buildings is allowed under those standards.
• When: These changes would begin after the bill becomes law.