Historic Fort Norfolk is a cultural site located at 810 Front Street in Norfolk, Virginia. The site has a long history dating back to when Congress authorized its construction to protect American harbors. The fort was originally built with earthen walls and wooden supports, but was later upgraded with brick and masonry walls and buildings.
During its history, the fort played a significant role in the War of 1812, serving as a key defense for Norfolk's inner harbor. It was also home to the frigate Constellation and was involved in the Battle of Craney Island. After the war, the fort's importance declined with the construction of another fortification.
In the mid-19th century, the Navy took over the fort and established a naval weapons station. The site includes a large powder magazine that still stands today. The fort was later used for storage and was occupied by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Today, the Corps of Engineers still occupies the site.
The Norfolk Historical Society maintains space at Historic Fort Norfolk and offers guided tours of the site on Sundays from May 1 to the last Sunday in August. The site is also open for self-guided tours around the outside of the buildings from Monday to Friday. Visitors must show a REAL ID or equivalent to enter the site, and free parking is available behind the guard house.
The Norfolk Historical Society is committed to preserving the diverse history of the Norfolk area and can be contacted via mail, email, or social media. The society's address is P.O. Box 6367, Norfolk, Virginia 23508-0367, and its email is info@norfolkhistorical.org.
