Attendees gather to celebrate "Fourth at the Fort," an all-day event honoring the nation’s 250th anniversary year. This open to the public and community event was hosted by America Made in Virginia (VA250), Fort Monroe Authority, Hampton250 and the National Park Service (NPS) and held at historic Fort Monroe in Hampton, Va., on Friday, July 4, 2025. (Photo by Aileen Devlin) VA250 and partners will honor the profound historical significance of Fort Monroe and Point Comfort. Known as “Freedom’s Fortress,” Fort Monroe has been a pivotal site in American history, from the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in 1619 to the Civil War’s “Contraband of War” decision, which set the stage for the Emancipation Proclamation.