This bill establishes the Fort Monroe National Historical Park in Virginia to preserve and interpret its historical, natural, and recreational resources, including its significance in early American history, the Civil War, and as a site of the Contraband Decision.
Robert "Bobby" Scott
Representative
VA-3
The "Fort Monroe National Historical Park Establishment Act" establishes the Fort Monroe National Historical Park, incorporating the former Fort Monroe National Monument, to preserve and interpret its significant historical, natural, and recreational resources. It defines the park's boundaries and authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire land within these boundaries. The Act also outlines administrative guidelines, including cooperative agreements with the Commonwealth of Virginia, to ensure the preservation and appropriate use of historic resources within and near the park.
Fort Monroe National Historical Park Established: Monument Upgraded, History and Recreation to Get a Boost
Big news on the history and recreation front: The Fort Monroe National Historical Park Establishment Act is officially a thing. This isn't just a name change; it's a significant upgrade from the old Fort Monroe National Monument, promising better preservation and more opportunities for everyone to connect with a crucial piece of American history.
From Monument to Park
The bill wipes out the Fort Monroe National Monument and rolls everything into the brand-new Fort Monroe National Historical Park. Think of it as going from a basic cable package to full-on streaming – more content, better access. All the land, resources, and even leftover funds from the Monument are getting transferred to the Historical Park. (SEC. 3)
Laying Down the Boundaries
Ever wonder where the park actually is? This bill lays it all out. There's a specific map (officially called "Fort Monroe National Historical Park Proposed Boundary, numbered 250193734, and dated June 2024") that marks the territory. The Secretary of the Interior can acquire more land within these lines, but only if landowners are willing to sell or donate. No forced grabs here. (SEC. 4)
Keeping it Real (and Historic)
This is where things get practical. The Secretary of the Interior is in charge of managing the park, following all the usual National Park System rules. But, Virginia and its local governments still have jurisdiction on non-Federal land within the park, unless they specifically agree otherwise. This means local laws still apply unless there is some sort of special agreement. (SEC. 5)
One key detail for anyone worried about preserving the historic vibe: If a building in the Fort Monroe National Historic Landmark District gets damaged or demolished, it can be replaced – but the new construction has to match the historical look and feel. No ultra-modern glass boxes next to centuries-old brick structures. (SEC. 5)
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
The bill also allows the Park Superintendent to sit on boards and committees that affect Fort Monroe. It is a smart move that should help with keeping things coordinated and promoting the park's educational goals. Plus, the Secretary can team up with Virginia or other groups to preserve resources both inside and near the park. There's a catch, though: any non-Federal land involved needs to have "reasonable public access," and everyone has to agree on any exterior changes to historic properties. The feds will only cover up to 50% of the costs, but in-kind contributions (like labor or materials) can count toward the local share. (SEC. 5)
Adaptive Reuse: A Nod to the Future
Finally, the bill makes it clear that Virginia can still repurpose the insides of historic buildings it owns, as long as they follow the Secretary's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. This means these spaces can be updated for modern use – think offices, studios, or community centers – while keeping the historic exterior intact. It's a good balance between preservation and practical use. (SEC. 5)