Senator Warner and history buffs around the state advocated for the designation of Hampton’s Fort Monroe as a national park yesterday. Senator Warner testified before a congressional subcommittee about the Fort and the need to involve the National Park Service to preserve its incredibly rich history.

Hampton officials had urged supporters to wear green to show their support for Fort Monroe, and the Senator borrowed a very bright green tie to wear the hearing. Virginia Veterans Affairs Secretary Terrie Suit, who chairs the board of the Fort Monroe Authority and also testified at yesterday’s hearing, wore a green ribbon in support.

Fort Monroe was built between 1819 and 1834 to protect the entrance to Hampton Roads. During the Civil War, Major General Benjamin Butler issued his famous "contraband decision” at Fort Monroe, ordering that escaped slaves who reached Union lines could not be returned to bondage. This courageous decision earned Fort Monroe the nickname “Freedoms Fort,” and thousands of slaves ultimately sought safety and sanctuary at the Union facility.

Following the Civil War, former Confederate President Jefferson Davis was a prisoner at Fort Monroe for two years.

The Park Service has indicated it would be appropriate for it to have some role at Fort Monroe, and Senator Warner has filed legislation urging the President to use his authority to make it happen.