Fort Monroe Main Gate

Main Gate at Fort Monroe

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Location:

Ruckman Road

Significance:

Part of Fort Monroe National Monument

MANAGED BY:

Fort Monroe Authority

Amenities

2 listed

Cellular Signal, Scenic View/Photo Spot

The Main Gate is one of the most prominent and identifiable features of the fort. It is along the western wall known as the Seventh Front. Built in 1823, the Main Gate had four casemates, a sally port, stockade, and within the gate a guard house.  

Symbol of Hope for Freedom Seekers  

On May 23, 1861, early in the Civil War, three enslaved men made their way to the Main Gate asking for refuge in the fort. These men were Frank Baker, James Townsend, and Shepard Mallory. The fort’s commander, US Gen. Benjamin F. Butler decided to not return them to enslavement. Throughout the war thousands of freedom seekers arrived at the fort. The Main Gate became a symbol of hope for those who came seeking protection.   

Main Gate Today 

The Main Gate is now used as a bridge for vehicular traffic. In 1937, the Army altered one of the casemates for a pedestrian entrance. The walls of the gate are stone masonry with brick infill. The roof is brick, earth, and concrete. The vaulted interior has arched recesses that once served as sentry posts. Above the gate is a bronze shield marking the keystone.