A story awaits at Fort Monroe

By Barack Obama

As president, one of my responsibilities is to protect our national treasures so that our children and grandchildren can learn about and enjoy them.

Over the past century, my predecessors have helped preserve some of America's most iconic landmarks - from the Statue of Liberty to the Grand Canyon. And on Tuesday, I continued that tradition by using my authority under the Antiquities Act to name Fort Monroe in Hampton a national monument, making it the newest member of our country's great national park system.

Before it was deactivated, Fort Monroe was the third-oldest Army post in continuous active service and played an important role in some of the darkest and some of the most heroic moments in American history.

It was there that the first slave ships landed in the English colonies. And during the Civil War, almost 250 years later, a general's decision to give escaped slaves refuge at Fort Monroe paved the way for President Abraham Lincoln to sign the Emancipation Proclamation.

In September, Fort Monroe closed its doors as a military installation for the last time. But now, thanks to the support of the Hampton community - including Citizens for a Fort Monroe National Park - and a bipartisan group of elected officials - including Gov. Bob McDonnell and Hampton Mayor Molly Ward - Americans will be able to appreciate Fort Monroe's rich history for generations to come.

This success is a testament to what can be accomplished when citizens act in the best interests of their community, and leaders put the interests of the country ahead of political party.

This decision isn't just about preserving a national landmark - it's also about helping to create jobs and grow the local economy. Local officials estimate that restoring and reusing Fort Monroe could help create thousands of jobs and help bring millions of dollars a year to the Hampton community - just as other national parks, historic treasures and public lands do in communities across the country.

Steps like these won't replace the bold action we need from Congress if we're going to give our economy the boost it needs, but they will make a difference in communities like Hampton.

In the weeks ahead, I will continue to force Congress to vote on common-sense, bipartisan proposals that independent economists say will put Americans back to work. And until Congress decides to act, I'm going to keep doing everything I can on behalf of the American people.

As our country commemorates the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, I'm proud to add Fort Monroe to the list of our treasured national parks.

I'm confident that the steps we've taken will benefit the Hampton community and the commonwealth of Virginia, and Michelle and I hope to bring Sasha and Malia down to visit soon so they can appreciate an important part of our history.

Barack Obama is president of the United States.