Title
Resolution Designating the Restoration of Fort Wool as a Legislative Priority of the City of Hampton, in Order to Request Funding and Restoration by the Commonwealth of Virginia Allowing Reopening Fort Wool to the Public
Purpose
PURPOSE/BACKGROUND:
Fort Wool (the Fort) has a long and rich history dating back to the 1800s as part of a coastal defense system along with its sister fort, Fort Monroe. Fort Wool was decommissioned in 1953 and ownership reverted to the Commonwealth of Virginia in 1967. In 1970, the City of Hampton began leasing the Fort allowing visitation but, in 2020, the Commonwealth closed and repurposed the fort as a temporary seasonal seabird nesting habitat for birds that were nesting on the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel (HRBT) before the HRBT widening project. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is building an island for relocation of the birds which is anticipated to be complete in 2027. At that time the goal would be for the Fort to be restored by the Commonwealth of Virginia so that it will be suitable for people to visit it and learn of its history. Once the restoration is complete, Hampton would like to reopen it to the public. The City will prepare an assessment report to form the basis for requesting that the Commonwealth fund the necessary restoration work.
Impact:
The ultimate goal of this action is to return Fort Wool to use as a tourist destination and allow guided tours of Fort Wool as soon as practical after it is restored by the Commonwealth and deemed safe for visitors.
Recommendation:
Rec
Approve the resolution.
Body
WHEREAS, after the War of 1812, the United States government established a system of coastal fortifications to protect the country from future invasions from the sea;
WHEREAS, Fort Calhoun (later known as Fort Wool) was built as part of this coastal defense system along with its sister fort, Fort Monroe, to protect the Hampton Harbor and James River;
WHEREAS, construction of the artifici...
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