Fort Monroe's construction began in 1818 with slave labor, but were later replaced by military prisoners & paid civilians. Lt. Robert E. Lee supervised the completion of the fort. The site was previously a stockade built by the Jamestown settlers in 1709, named Fort Algermourne. As early as 1749, a sentry was stationed to light a bonfire here for any approaching ships.
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The present day lighthouse was built in 1802. It was badly battered by naval gunfire during the Civil War, and later restored to it's present condition. The 54 foot tall tower is constructed of sandstone in a typical Colonial Revival style, but with an unique stone spiral staircase housed within. The 1900 Victorian keeper's quarters has been owned by the US Army since 1973.
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