First Africans in Virginia

Photographed by PaulwC3, May 15, 2014

1. First Africans in Virginia Marker

Inscription. The first documented Africans in Virginia arrived in August 1619 when a Dutch man-of-war landed here at Point Comfort. The Dutch captured the “twenty and odd” Africans from the Spanish, who had enslaved them, and traded them to the Virginia colonists in exchange for foodstuffs. Early Africans who lived here included Antony and Isabell, whose son, William Tucker, likely was the first black child born in present-day Hampton. The family served the household of Capt. William Tucker, commander at Point Comfort. Whether the early Africans were treated as indentured servants or as slaves is uncertain. The institution of slavery evolved during the 17th century as the term of service for Africans was extended for life. The United States abolished slavery in 1863.

Erected 1994 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number W-96.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1619.

Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It

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was located near 37° 0.062′ N, 76° 18.492′ W. Marker was in Hampton, Virginia. It was in Fort Monroe. It was on Fenwick Road 0.2 miles east of Ingalls Road. The marker is located at Engineer Wharf Fishing Pier parking lot. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Fort Monroe VA 23651, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker was on the Peninsula

and in Coastal Virginia.

It was also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

and in the Tidewater.

Globally, it was in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it found itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location: A different marker also named First Africans in Virginia (here, next to this marker); Fort Monroe History (within shouting distance of this marker); Notable Locations in the Hampton Roads (within shouting distance of this marker); The Movement of a Legacy (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Retreat / Courtesies (about 300 feet away); The Cultural Connections (about 300 feet away); The Sculpture (about 300 feet away); "Ruth Window" (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hampton.

Other markers no longer nearby. Fort Monroe Seawall History (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing); Engineer Wharf (was about 300 feet away but has been confirmed missing); a different marker also named Fort Monroe Seawall History (was about 300 feet away but has been confirmed missing); Lantaka (was about 400 feet away but has been permanently removed); Spanish 1-½-Pounder

Wide view of the First Africans in Virginia Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by PaulwC3, May 15, 2014

2. Wide view of the First Africans in Virginia Marker

(was about 400 feet away but has been permanently removed); 12-Pounder Howitzer (was about 400 feet away but has been permanently removed).

More about this marker. This marker was replaced by an updated marker also named First Africans in Virginia (see nearby markers).

Regarding First Africans in Virginia.

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has been replaced with the linked marker.

Also see . . .
1. Encyclopedia Virginia: Africans, Virginia's First. (Submitted on May 18, 2014, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia.)
2. Rededicating Historical Marker for Arrival of First Africans. A state historical marker is being rededicated at Fort Monroe to recognize the arrival of the first Africans in Virginia. The new marker corrects some of the narrative in the original marker. (Submitted on August 21, 2015, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.)

3. Fort Monroe National Monument, National Park Service. (Submitted on August 19, 2019.)
4. Fort Monroe (Stone Fort) National Register of Historic Places Registration Form (pdf file). (Submitted on August 19, 2019.)

Additional keywords. human trafficking

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 18, 2014, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia. This page has been viewed 3,498 times since then and 76 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 18, 2014, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia.