City: Fort Monroe, VA

Category: Tours & Attractions

Telephone: (757) 788-3391

Address: 20 Bernard Rd.

Description: This museum depicting the fort’s role in the Civil War opened in the 1950s with an exhibit on the cell where Confederate President Jefferson Davis was held after his arrest. These days, that cell has been joined by a number of other exhibits that tell the story of this ancient stone fort, which remains the military’s only installation defended by a moat, and the Army Coast Artillery Corps. This is a military base, so you will need a valid ID and proof of ownership for your vehicle to get in. The cave-like rooms inside the walls definitely transport you to another era. If you ever wondered how Poe got so glum, realize he was stationed here while in the Army. Also a former resident was Robert E. Lee, who was an engineer here as a young lieutenant. The quarters where he lived with his wife Mary Custis Lee and their first son was born are on a walking tour. This free museum is part of the Army’s museum system and is open seven days a week.