Historically, the founding of town of Phoebus was directly related to the establishment of the moated fortress by the U. S. Army, which began in 1830. The first homesteads were primarily those of the artisans and labourers involved in the massive construction project. After the War Between the States, a new infusion of homesteaders, the self-emancipated slaves, further enriched the town.
As we place appropriate monuments and tourist information plaques, there should also be appropriate recognition in Phoebus of the direct historical relationships between it and Fort Monroe. Historic trails and tours of Fort Monroe should include Phoebus, and Strawberry Banks, now under the stewardship of Hampton University; as this was an early landing site of John Smith, after finding safe nautical haven at Cape Comfort in 1607.