US Army Corps of Engineers - Norfolk District

Historic Fort Norfolk

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Norfolk District is located on the grounds of historic Fort Norfolk. Fort Norfolk, a brick and earthwork fort, is the last remaining of 19 harbor front forts authorized in 1794 by President George Washington.

Fort Norfolk Today

Stepping through the fort's arched entryway transports visitors to another era. The fort's four-acre site overlooks the Elizabeth River and includes earthwork embankments, ramparts, a dungeon, officers' quarters, powder magazine, barracks, and guardhouse. Most structures in the fort date to 1810. There is considerable historical reference to an earlier earthwork Fort Norfolk. Although no evidence remains of this structure, it is certain that a fort occupied this site prior to construction of the present fort.

Originally a coastal defense work, Fort Norfolk was occupied by U.S. Army troops until the early 1820's. With construction of Forts Monroe and Calhoon (Fort Wool) beginning around 1816, the task of harbor defense was shifted to the entrance of Hampton Roads.

After the army's departure, Fort Norfolk remained in caretaker status until around 1850 when the U.S. Navy converted it into a naval ammunition depot. At the beginning of the Civil War, the Confederate Army captured the fort. When Norfolk fell to Union forces, the U.S. Army retook Fort Norfolk for use as a hospital. In 1863, the fort was returned to the U.S. Navy. By 1870, Norfolk citizens became concerned about a large store of ammunition close to populated areas.
Consequently, the navy constructed new facilities at St. Julians Creek and vacated Fort Norfolk
around 1880. In 1923, the fort became home to Norfolk District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,
and remains so today.

Fort Norfolk Site Plan, Watercolor by C.E. Cassell, 1860

In recent years the Norfolk Historical Society has overseen the restoration and interpretation of Fort Norfolk. For more information about the Fort and upcoming public tours, visit their web site: Norfolk Historical Society.

If you would like to arrange a group tour of Fort Norfolk, please call:

Louis Guy at (757) 627-5991

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