Fort Monroe National Historical Park Establishment Act

Bill Number

H.R. 1581

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Public Lands and Natural Resources

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-02-25: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

Last Updated

2026-02-06T19:34:06Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The Fort Monroe National Historical Park Establishment Act (H.R. 1581) aims to create a new national park unit in Virginia to protect and share the site's rich history, natural features, and recreational opportunities. It focuses on interpreting key events, such as the arrival of the first captive Africans in English North America in 1619, the site's role in fortifications and the War of 1812, its use as a coastal defense and training center, and its significance during the Civil War—including the "Contraband Decision" of 1861, which allowed enslaved people escaping to Union lines to gain freedom, and the formation of United States Colored Troops.

Key Provisions

• Establishment and Definitions: Creates the Fort Monroe National Historical Park within Virginia. Defines terms like "Commonwealth" (Virginia), "Map" (a specific boundary map dated June 2024), "Historical Park" (the new park), and "Secretary" (Secretary of the Interior).
• Abolishment of Existing Monument: Ends the Fort Monroe National Monument (established by presidential proclamation in 2011) and merges its lands into the new park. Any unspent funds for the monument transfer to the park, and references to the monument now apply to the park.
• Boundaries and Land Acquisition: Sets park boundaries as shown on the specified map, available for public viewing at National Park Service offices. The Secretary can acquire additional land or interests in land inside the boundaries through donation, transfer, exchange, or purchase from willing sellers using donated or appropriated funds.
• Administration:
• Managed by the Secretary under general National Park System laws, including rules for preservation, public use, and historic properties.
• Preserves federal authority on federal lands but does not alter Virginia's or local governments' civil, criminal, or regulatory powers on non-federal lands (unless agreed otherwise for shared jurisdiction).
• Allows replacement of lost or demolished buildings in the Fort Monroe National Historic Landmark District, as long as it meets federal historic preservation standards (guidelines for treating historic sites).
• Permits the park superintendent to join relevant local boards or committees to support preservation and education.
• Authorizes cooperative agreements with Virginia or other entities for preserving nearby non-federal resources, with conditions like public access, mutual agreement on changes, and federal funding limited to 50% of costs (in-kind contributions allowed).
• Supports adaptive reuse (repurposing) of interiors of non-federal historic buildings, following federal preservation standards, without restricting Virginia's options.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Converts the Fort Monroe National Monument—a presidentially designated protected area—into a congressionally established National Historical Park, which provides a more permanent and structured framework under the National Park Service (NPS) for management and funding.
• Integrates monument lands directly into the park without altering their status, but shifts administrative oversight fully to NPS statutes, potentially streamlining operations and eligibility for park-specific resources.
• Explicitly protects state and local jurisdiction over non-federal lands, clarifying that the park's creation does not expand federal control in ways that conflict with Virginia law.

Potential Impacts

• Government Agencies: The Department of the Interior and NPS gain responsibility for administering the park, including interpretation, preservation, and visitor services, which may require additional staffing and funding. Unobligated monument funds ease the transition.
• Citizens: Enhances public access to a site of national historical importance, particularly for education on African American history, Civil War events, and early colonial voyages. Recreational opportunities (e.g., natural areas) could boost tourism and local economies in Virginia.
• International Relations: No direct impacts; the bill focuses on domestic historical preservation.
• Broader Effects: Promotes preservation of cultural resources while allowing flexible reuse of historic buildings, potentially supporting community development without compromising heritage.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Federal Government: Secretary of the Interior and NPS, responsible for park management, land acquisition, and cooperative efforts.
• State and Local Entities: Commonwealth of Virginia and its political subdivisions, retaining jurisdiction and benefiting from partnerships for preservation and adaptive reuse.
• Public and Preservation Groups: Visitors, historians, educators, and organizations focused on Civil War, African American, and colonial history, who gain enhanced interpretive programs and access.
• Private Landowners: Those within or near boundaries, as the bill allows voluntary land acquisitions and cooperative preservation assistance.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Aligns with the Antiquities Act (which allowed the original monument) by upgrading it to a statutory park, ensuring long-term protection under Title 54 of the U.S. Code (National Park Service Organic Act and historic preservation laws). Reinforces the National Historic Preservation Act by mandating compliance with standards for any building changes.
• Constitutional: Respects federalism by explicitly preserving state authority on non-federal lands, avoiding Tenth Amendment concerns over undue federal overreach into state matters.
• Political: Bipartisan sponsorship (from Virginia representatives) highlights regional interest in commemorating diverse historical narratives, including emancipation and military history, potentially fostering national dialogue on these topics without partisan controversy. The bill's focus on "relevance to modern society" could encourage inclusive public engagement.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Scott, Robert C. "Bobby" [D-VA-3]

Cosponsors (9)

Rep. Wittman, Robert J. [R-VA-1], Rep. McClellan, Jennifer L. [D-VA-4], Rep. Kiggans, Jennifer A. [R-VA-2], Rep. McGuire, John J. [R-VA-5], Rep. Subramanyam, Suhas [D-VA-10], Rep. Beyer, Donald S. [D-VA-8], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7], Rep. Griffith, H. Morgan [R-VA-9]

Recent Actions

• 2025-02-25: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
• 2025-02-25: Introduced in House
• 2025-02-25: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Fort Monroe National Historical Park Establishment Act — issued 2025-02-25 — PDF (7 pages)