HAMPTON, Va. (WVEC) -- The Commonwealth of Virginia officially deeded the state's portion of the land that makes up Fort Monroe National Monument to the National Park Service in a ceremony Tuesday.
The Fort Monroe Authority voted last week to back the governor's action.
Terry McAuliffe (D-VA) signed the deed transfer as Peggy O'Dell, the deputy director of the National Park Service, watched.
"Fort Monroe is a rich historical site that helps tell the story of our Commonwealth and our country,"he said."By transferring this land to the National Park Service, we are creating the opportunity to enhance this great asset so that we can preserve our history and leverage it to draw greater tourism revenue and economic activity to the Peninsula. I am thrilled to sign this deed and help begin the next chapter in the history of Fort Monroe."
The public won't see any immediate change. The National Park Service has been operating at the former Army post for several years.
President Obama officially declared the monument in 2011.
"The city is happy to see the formal and legal actions finalized that have been agreed to by all parties, and we are excited to see the official Park Service ownership of the historic parade ground and key buildings," said Hampton Mayor George Wallace.
The Fort Monroe Authority and the National Park Service have been working to ensure a seamless transition in the area, which also includes the Paradise Ocean Club area and the RV park.
The area commonly known as "Dog Beach" is not included in the land transfer and is expected to be transferred from the Army directly to the National Park Service after environmental issues are settled.
Fort Monroe is open to the public daily from dawn to dusk.Click here for directions.
