Established in 1610, Hampton is located in the center of Coastal Virginia. Hampton boasts a city rich in history and adventure, from the “Sea to the Stars.” Experience the sands of the wide open beaches on the Chesapeake Bay; tour the waterways on a harbor cruise and gaze at the cosmos at the Virginia Air and Space Science Center. Hampton’s business districts – Downtown, Phoebus and Coliseum Central offer culinary delights, shopping and great meeting and event spaces. A unique setting at the confluence of the Chesapeake Bay and the James River, Hampton has been at the forefront of fundamental milestones in our nation’s history. Experience this rich history by exploring Fort Monroe National Monument, the Hampton History Museum, Aberdeen Gardens and the Emancipation Oak.
Hampton in the American Revolution
The Battle of Hampton: The First Battle of the Revolutionary War outside New England
Fought October 26-27, 1775, the Battle of Hampton was the beginning of the Revolutionary War in Virginia. It was a turning point in Virginia’s transition from resistance to rebellion, and at its heart was a struggle for the meaning and experience of liberty. The Revolutionary War is a key part of Hampton’s “Arc of Freedom.”
The Battle of Hampton was a planned British naval attack on the town of Hampton, thwarted by local soldiers and sailors and troops sent from Williamsburg. Leading up to the battle, British officials demanded return of property taken from a grounded British ship, while local Patriots demanded that British officers return Joseph Harris and other enslaved people who had escaped and sought refuge aboard the British fleet. Joseph Harris was a skilled harbor pilot, and he and other Freedom Seekers played pivotal roles in the battle. Shortly afterward, Lord Dunmore drafted his proclamation formally offering freedom to enslaved people who would join the British.
Healing Beyond Survival: Mental Health in the African DiasporaThis panel discussion will dive into how we deal personally and as a community with the trauma and mental health of our shared history. The event is f... Read More
"The History of We" storytellingExperience an awe-inspiring picture book about the origin and advancement of humans, from a #1 New York Times best selling author. Come and experie... Read More
Sunrise Cleansing & Healing CeremonyJoin Project 1619 at Fort Monroe on Sunday, August 23, 2026 from 6:00am to 8:00am for the Healing Day Ceremony! Plan to attend this special ceremon... Read More
Youth West African Dance Workshop with The DAY ProgramMonday, August 24, 2026 from 3:30pm - 5:00pm at the Fort Monroe YMCA! Ages 8 to 18 are welcome! Through rhythm and movement, young participants wil... Read More
Art Walk Spoken Word/Poetry NightExperience an inspiring evening of art, poetry, and reflection during African Landing Commemoration Week. Join Artists United for Art/Poetry Night on ... Read More
"The History of We" StorytellingExperience an awe-inspiring picture book about the origin and advancement of humans, from #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator Nikkolas Smith! ... Read More
Beach Meditation & YogaTuesday, August 25, 2026 from 7:00am - 8:00am on Outlook Beach at Fort Monroe! Begin the morning with an experience designed to awaken the body, se... Read More
Senior Chair Fitness with The DAY Program!!Tuesday, August 25, 2026 from 10:00am - 11:00am at the Fort Monroe YMCA! Movement has no age limit. This energizing chair-based fitness experience ... Read More
Community West African Dance WorkshopSunday, August 23, 2026 from 3:30pm - 5:00pm at the Fort Monroe YMCA! Ages 8 to 18 are welcome! African Landing Commemoration would not be complete... Read More
Community West African Drum WorkshopTuesday, August 25, 2026 from 5:30pm - 7:00pm at Fort Monroe! All ages are welcome! Afrcian Landing Commemoration would not be complete without tra... Read More
"The History of We" storytellingExperience an awe-inspiring picture book about the origin and advancement of humans, from #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator Nikkolas Smith! ... Read More
Building Your Genealogical Story: Panel DiscussionJoin this panel discussion on Wednesday, August 26, 2026 from 4:00pm - 5:30pm at the Fort Monroe Visitor Center! Join for another segment of the Af... Read More
"The History of We" LIVE with Nikkolas Smith!!!Experience a LIVE READING of this awe-inspiring picture book with author and #1 New York Times best selling illustrator Nikkolas Smith!!! Come and ... Read More
The Story in the Stitches: Interpreting The FiguresJoin this community forum on Wednesday, August 26, 2026 from 6:00pm - 7:00pm at the Fort Monroe Visitor Center! Join for the 4th segement of the Af... Read More
ANOTHER VIEW LIVE at The African Landing Memorial StatueCome be a part of our live audience, when Another View travels to Fort Monroe to talk about one of a kind statue at the former base. The statue wil... Read More
A Conversation with Descendants of the White LionJoin this panel discussion on Thursday, August 27, 2026 from 4:00pm - 5:30pm at the Fort Monroe Visitor Center! In this segment of the Afrcian Land... Read More
Special Event: Black Expo Unity MarketCelebrate culture, community, and entrepreneurship at the Black Expo Unity Market, part of the African Landing Commemoration Week. Join us on Thursday... Read More
Words Matter; Remembering the EnslavedA lecture with Project 1619 and special guests on Thursday, August 27, 2026 from 6:00pm - 7:30pm at the Fort Monroe Visitor Center! This segement o... Read More
A Journey with Journalists; a lectureA lecture with renowned former USA Today journalists on Friday, August 28, 2026 from 4:00pm - 5:00pm at the Fort Monroe Visitor Center! The William... Read More
The William Tucker 1624 Society presents A Jazz Night OutJoin us for our Annual "A Jazz Night Out" Scholarship Fundraiser! The William Tucker 1624 Society is hosting its 5th Annual Scholarship Fundraiser,... Read More
African Landing Commemoration: A National Unveiling Ceremony of Remembrance and RenewalJoin us at Fort Monroe on Saturday, August 29, for a day of remembrance, reflection and renewal marking the 407th anniversary of the 1619 landing of t... Read More
Community Drum CircleStay after the Unveiling Ceremony and come together, find the rhythm, and become part of the circle. Led by Yao Ababio of Asase Yaa & Ababio Entertain... Read More
African Inspired Bead Making; An Art ClassA hands on instruction art class for ages 16 and up, Saturday, August 29, 2026 from 2:00pm - 3:30pm! Continue a day of Commemoration with hands on ... Read More
