Visit Hampton Roads Virginia: Hampton Roads / History & Heritage

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First Peanut Museum in U.S.A.
Rt. 460 West (near intersection with Rt. 40)
Waverly, VA 23890
Phone: (804) 834-2969

Story of peanuts through pictures, antique farm machinery and equipment.

Fort Boykin Historic Park
7410 Fort Boykin Trail
Smithfield, VA 23431
Phone1: (757) 357-5182
Phone2: (800) 365-9339 Toll-Free
Phone3: (757) 357-0115 Historic Resources Dept
Email: jwilliams@isleofwightus.net
Opens: 8:00:00 AM
Closes: 8:00:00 PM
Children Welcome

Fort Boykin has been a part of American history since 1623 when a fort known as the Castle was constructed to protect the Jamestown colonists from Native Americans and raiding Spaniards. Atop a bluff overlooking the James River, the site’s commanding view makes it a keen observation point. Today, Fort Boykin remains essentially intact and constitutes a well-preserved example of military architecture of the Civil War era. Fort Boykin is on the Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail, and it is home to the commonwealth's second oldest black walnut tree. The fort is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Virginia Landmarks Register, Virginia Civil War Trails, Captain John Smith’s Trail and the Star-Spangled Banner Geotrail and the Cornell eBird System, Open daily from 8 a.m. to dusk. Beach access.

Fort Monroe
CM 20 Bernard Road
Fort Monroe, VA 23651
Phone1: (757) 727-3391 Museum Front Office
Phone2: (757) 727-3887 Museum Gift Shop
Fax: (757) 727-3886
Email: hansonc@monroe.army.mil

Completed in 1834 and named in honor of President James Monroe, Fort Monroe is recognized as the largest stone fort ever built in the United States. Nicknamed "Freedom's Fortress," this Union-held fortification provided a safe haven for hundreds of runaway slaves during the Civil War. It was also the site where the Army of the Potomac landed before beginning the march toward Richmond during the Peninsula Campaign. Today, the installation is the headquarters of the Army's Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC). Fort Monroe's history is interpreted for visitors in its Casemate Museum. Walking tours of the fort are available during the summer months. (See Fort Monroe-Casemate Museum and Chamberlin Hotel listings.)

Fort Monroe - Casemate Museum
Fort Monroe
Hampton, VA 23651
Phone: (757) 788-3391
Fax: (757) 788-3386

This active military installation was famed during the Civil War as the "Freedom Fort" by blacks escaping from slavery. General Benjamin Butler refusing to return runaway slaves, kept them as "Contrabands" of war, assuring their freedom. Confederate President Jefferson Davis' prison cell is located in the museum.

Fort Pocahontas at Wilson's Wharf
13501 Sturgeon Point Road
Charles City, VA 23030
Phone: (804) 829-9722
Admission Fee
Children Welcome

Fort Pocahontas was a defensive fort built and manned by United States Colored Troops under the command of Brig. Generals Edward A. Wild and Benjamin Butler. On May 24, 1864, the fort was attacked by Confederate Cavalry led by Maj. Gen. Fitzhugh Lee. The action resulted in a decisive victory for the USCT who were outmanned by the much larger attacking force. The walking tour of the fort includes the earthen bastions, breastworks and gun ramps and the Binford House (ca 1740), which was moved to this location from Southampton County in 2000. The house contains a museum of artifacts uncovered during archeological studies. Panoramic views of the James River are provided both from the high bluff and the river landing. Tours are available by appointment only.

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