I'm a patriotic girl, always have been, and summer in Hampton brings out the Proud American in me. First of all, American history is everywhere here. As you ply Hampton's waterways, you're exploring water trails that John Smith, Christopher Newport and Bartholomew Gosnold explored in 1607.
Step dockside on the downtown Hampton waterfront and within walking distance you can experience awe-inspiring exhibits and suspended aircraft at the Virginia Air & Space Center, visitor center for NASA Langley and Langley Air Force Base. The Apollo 12 Command Module is displayed here! You can walk Hampton University campus grounds where Booker T. Washington studied and where, beneath the embracing limbs of Emancipation Oak, President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation was read to enslaved and free members of the community. At the Hampton History Museum you can learn how Hampton's 400 year story aligns with the chapters of America's history book. And you can experience Americana at its best with a whirl on the Hampton Carousel, a 1920Philadelphia Toboggan Company antiquity that continues to entertain visitors on the downtown Hampton waterfront. All these, within a stroll of the pier!
But these are the immediate, obvious sites that introduce you to Hampton and let you know this is a special place. Sites that really have me singing the Star Spangled Banner are Fort Wool and Fort Monroe. Construction on both of these national treasures began in 1819, with construction of Fort Monroe complete in 1834. Fort Wool was never really complete, but that essence of what was and could have been adds to its mystique. The fort is located on a man-made island known as the Rip Raps in the middle of Hampton Roads. The Miss Hampton harbor tour docks at the island twice daily and a tour guide brilliantly relates its history. I'd rather dock and experience the site solo, so I am appreciative of the historic markers on display that share Fort Wool's remarkable history. There are eight markers for me to read and by the time I leave the island, this "sinking" garrison feels like a friend.
Fort Monroe is the largest stone fort ever constructed in the United States and the only moat-encircled fort in active use by the military. Presently a U.S. Army post, Fort Monroe will cease military operations on September 15, 2011. While the stone fort itself is nothing short of remarkable, essential American landmarks abound within the fort's walls and along its shoreline. Such sites include the Casemate Museum which celebrated its 40th anniversary this week and contains the cell in which Jefferson Davis was held following the Civil War. Lieutenant Robert E. Lee's quarters are across from the museum, and nearby are Quarters Number One, Chapel of the Centurion, and Old Point Comfort Light. This week in Hampton, Secretary of the Interior Salazar visited Fort Monroe to discern whether interest in making Fort Monroe a National Monument and/or a National Park was the general consensus of Virginians present when the military leaves. The question was answered with a resounding Y-E-S!
Celebrate Independence Day until your proud American heart bursts with pride at these Hampton festivities:
Tonight, July 1 Fireworks and All-American NASCAR Hometrack Racing at Langley Speedway
Saturday, July 2, Downtown Hampton Market Place A bounty of fresh vegetables, fruit, bread, seafood, cheese, wine and crafts all available for purchase on Queens Way.
Saturday, July 2 Streetfest on Downtown Hampton's Queens Way featuring local favorite performing artists Slapwater
Sunday, July 3 Hampton's Peninsula Pilots take on the Daredevils at War Memorial Stadium. Game time is 7:05pm.
July 4, Fourth at the Fort featuring 38 Special, games, food, rides and fireworks. And the best part, it's at Fort Monroe!
