“Camp Hamilton, Fort Monroe and Rip-Raps, Va.”

This lithograph by E.C. Sachse of Baltimore was produced in 1862.

The Hampton History Museum has this lithographic print in its collection. The digital image bears the museum’s watermark. The lithograph’s object record notes that it shows “Camp Hamilton, with Fort Monroe and Fort Calhoun/Wool (Rip Raps) in the background. Segar’s farm (foreground) and residence (far right), and Sewell’s Point (upper right), are also labeled on the image.” The observer can make out fine details of life at this military complex: tents and barracks; horses, wagons, and buggies; a cavalry drill, telegraph wires, and naval vessels.

Click on the tag “Fort Monroe” in the frame on the right of this page for more images.

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“Plan of Fortress Munroe, Va., 1862”

This pen-and-ink and watercolor was painted by Robert Knox Sneden (1832-1918). It shows the area surrounding Fort Monroe, including the Chesapeake Bay, Old Point Comfort, and Camp Hamilton to the north. The  site was a small fort as early as 1608 but the modern fortress was planned by  General Simon Bernard, Corps of Engineers (and formerly an officer with the French Army under Napoleon).  The original foundations were laid in 1813.  The fortification has 35-foot high granite walls and the capacity to garrison 2,450 men. It cost $2,400.00 to construct.

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