This bill establishes Fort Monroe National Historical Park in Virginia to preserve and interpret the historic, cultural, and natural significance of Fort Monroe and Old Point Comfort. The park will highlight the site's role in early American history—including Captain John Smith's voyages, the arrival of captive Africans in English North America, War of 1812 activities, Civil War events like the Contraband Decision that freed enslaved people, and the formation of United States Colored Troop units. The bill abolishes the existing Fort Monroe National Monument (created in 2011) and incorporates its lands and unobligated funds into the new historical park, with the National Park Service administering it under standard federal park laws. The park's boundaries are defined by a map dated June 2024, and the Secretary of the Interior may acquire additional land through donation, transfer, or purchase from willing sellers. The legislation preserves Virginia's authority over non-federal land within the park boundaries and allows the state flexibility for adaptive reuse of historic buildings while maintaining architectural standards.
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