Here's a brief version of what Citizens for a Fort Monroe National Park is advocating, and why:
The history of Old Point Comfort and Fort Monroe is bound up with the history of colonial Jamestown, all of America's major wars, and all of African-American life from the beginnings of slavery in the English colonies to the provision of sanctuary for escaped slaves during the Civil War to the national debate among African-Americans that led to the civil rights movement.
Because of its rich history Fort Monroe is a national treasure.
In recognition of this fact, it was named a National Historic Landmark District in 1960.
Its historical richness extends to the batteries and many of the buildings and houses outside the moated fort.
These surrounding structures also contribute to a cultural and aesthetic atmosphere that is worthy of preservation.
Moreover, Fort Monroe affords wonderful recreational opportunities for the public, including a two-mile boardwalk, a beach with natural dunes, water sports, and green space for picnic grounds and hiking trails.
Given all of its treasures, it deserves the status of a national park.
It also needs the long-term protection and management that comes with a national park designation.
As a national park, it would have the potential of becoming another, and equal, destination for tourists who visit Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown.
And as such, it would contribute to the economy not only of Hampton but of the entire region.
In these times of national budget constraints, the best model for Fort Monroe is California's Presidio, a self-sustaining federal trust. While not perfect, this model is superior to a city-managed one in which preservation and maintenance would be subject to local budgetary concerns and politics.
Because the Presidio model allows adaptive reuse of historical structures, it also provides an opportunity to create a much-needed museum focused on Fort Monroe's significant role in African-American history.
Fort Monroe has always belonged to the American people, and as a national park it will continue to do so.Summary contributed by Scott Butler
