News Flash

The Commonwealth of Virginia will officially deed the state's portion of the land that makes up Fort Monroe Monroe National Monument to the National Park Service in a ceremony Aug. 25.

After a vote by the Fort Monroe Authority on Aug. 20 backing the governor's action, there will be a formal ceremony at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Sallie Port entrance to the moated fortress.

The public won't see any immediate change. The National Park Service has been operating at the former Army base for quite some time. President Obama officially declared the monument in 2011, with the support of the state.

Still, noted Hampton Mayor George Wallace, "The city is happy to see the formal and legal actions finalized that have been agreed to by all parties, and we are excited to see the official Park Service ownership of the historic parade ground and key buildings."

The Fort Monroe Authority and the National Park Service have been working together to ensure a seamless transition in the area, which also includes the Paradise Ocean Club area and the RV park. However, the northernmost beach area is not included in the land transfer. The area commonly known as "Dog Beach" is expected to be transferred from the Army directly to the Park Service after environmental issues are settled.