Today, we’re dropping anchor in Hampton, Virginia, a port city whose fascinating history stretches all the way back to 1607, when the first Jamestown settlers landed in the area . This remarkable city has played an active role in many of America’s most momentous events. From the earliest Native American cultures and first English permanent settlement, through the American Revolution and Civil War, to modern milestones like being home to America’s first institution of free public education – Hampton’s story is deeply interwoven with the fabric of our nation.
In today’s post, we’ll navigate through Hampton’s rich past and explore its must-see historical sites. I’ll also share helpful planning tips to get you started on your own Hampton adventure!
Traveling through Hampton’s History:
Prior to European settlement, Hampton was the site of Kecoughtan, an Indian village that was part of the greater Powhatan Confederacy. When the first Jamestown settlers arrived in 1607, they established their main settlement further up the James River. However, they quickly identified the tip of the Virginia Peninsula, known as Old Point Comfort (in present-day Hampton), as a prime defensive location – a coveted spot due to its abundance of natural resources and strategic advantage. In fact, in 1609, Captain John Ratcliffe built Fort Algernon on the tip of Old Point Comfort, a site that is known today as Fort Monroe.
The early years of Jamestown were indeed fraught with many problems, including a period known as ‘The Starving Time’ from 1609-10. Many of the early colonists, unaccustomed to farming the land, relied heavily on trade with the Indigenous people for food, especially corn. During the Starving Time, Chief Powhatan largely cut off this vital trade, recognizing it as a powerful weapon against the struggling English settlers. To be fair, the settlers had not always been on their best behavior with the Natives, and both sides struggled with profound cultural differences, leading to widespread mistrust and heightened hostilities.
Sadly, in July 1610, English colonists launched an unprovoked attack, massacring the villagers and seizing Kecoughtan. This brutal act led to the eventual establishment of Hampton on the site.
It is a sad history, but one that is important to learn and reflect.
A city of firsts: First in Free Education
In 1634, colonist Benjamin Syms made a groundbreaking bequest of land, cattle, and tools for America’s first ‘free school.’ This endowment allowed local children to receive an education at reduced or no cost, marking a significant milestone in American education. Today, Hampton City Schools continues to benefit from the proceeds of this remarkable bequest, making it the beneficiary of America’s oldest educational endowment.
America 250 – Liberty Trails: Revolutionary Hampton
As the colonies barreled into war after the first shots fired at Lexington and Concord in Massachusetts on April 19, 1775, the Virginia Peninsula, from the colonial capital city of Williamsburg to the Norfolk and Hampton areas, was abuzz with talk of revolution. The region was deeply divided between patriots and loyalists, each holding strong beliefs about British rule, taxes, and the question of liberty. While incidents like the Williamsburg Gunpowder Incident had led to protests and a militia march led by Patrick Henry, eventually causing Royal Governor Lord Dunmore to flee, no armed conflict had yet occurred. This rising tension finally boiled over into a major armed military engagement on October 26-27 at The Battle of Hampton. This pivotal clash was the first battle of the American Revolution to take place outside of New England and marked a critical turning point in Virginia’s transition from resistance to open rebellion.
The Battle of Hampton: Quick Facts
The Battle of Hampton was a planned British naval attack on the town, which was ultimately thwarted by a combination of local forces and troops sent from Williamsburg. Leading up to the battle, British officials demanded the return of property taken from a grounded British ship. Meanwhile, local Patriots vehemently 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 his presence, along with other Freedom Seekers, was central to the immediate pre-battle tensions. Shortly afterward, Lord Dunmore drafted his proclamation, formally offering freedom to enslaved people who would join the British forces. Despite Dunmore’s initial gains and loyalist support from his stronghold in nearby Norfolk, his position began to crumble after a series of Patriot victories in December 1775, most notably at the Battle of Great Bridge. His final expulsion from Virginia, and the effective end of royal rule in the colony, came after the burning of Norfolk on January 1, 1776, an event largely initiated by his own forces in response to the Patriot presence..
Thomas Jefferson remarked that the Battle of Hampton ‘raised our country into a perfect frenzy,’ an event that galvanized Virginians’ support for declaring independence from the British Empire. While many Virginians already harbored a patriotic spirit, this battle proved a pivotal moment, shifting their hearts away from reconciliation and firmly onto a path towards independence.
War of 1812 – British ATTACK!
During the War of 1812, Hampton was pillaged by British troops, as they made their way up the Chesapeake Bay en route to burn Washington. Learn more here This attack made Presidents James Madison and later President James Monroe realized the vulnerability of not having a strong fort at Hampton…more on that in a minute.
Hampton – First in Slavery and in Freedom
In 1619, a terrible chapter of American history started when English privateers from the ship the White Lion, arrived at Point Comfort (Fort Monroe in present-day Hampton) in late August 1619 with 20 and odd Africans who would be sold. This was the first of the African slave trade in Virginia.
These individuals, likely Kimbundu-speaking people from West Central Africa who had been captured from a Portuguese slave ship, were exchanged for food. Soon after, the Treasurer brought a few more. These early arrivals, initially dispersed throughout the colony, faced harsh conditions, with their numbers declining by 1624 due to disease and conflict. However, evidence suggests some were baptized, took Christian names, and even gained their freedom and owned land, such as Anthony and Mary Johnson. The African population dramatically increased after another shipload of approximately 100 Angolans arrived in 1628, marking a significant turning point in the colony’s history. Learn more here
In spite of the bitter historical beginnings of slavery here in 1619, Old Point Comfort/Fort Monroe later became a beacon and fortress of freedom during The Civil War. In 1861, even after Virginia seceded from The Union, Fort Monroe stayed in Union hands. When three enslaved men sought refuge at the fort in 1861, Union General Benjamin Butler declared them “contraband of war,” refusing to return them to their enslavers.This decision led to thousands of other enslaved people seeking refuge at the fort, which became known as Freedom’s Fortress. Fun fact: Harriet Tubman worked as a nurse at Fort Monroe in 1863. More to come as we explore Fort Monroe later in this Hampton Adventure.
To Infinity and Beyond: Hampton is OUT of this World
Following the Civil War, Hampton became home to the Hampton Normal Agricultural Institute (now Hampton University), a groundbreaking institution founded to educate formerly enslaved people and Native Americans. Today, Hampton University continues its vital role as a leading educational institution, contributing significant research and providing exceptional opportunities to the community.
Did you know that Hampton is the birthplace of NASA?
During World War I, Hampton also became the site of the United States’ first aeronautical laboratory. The National Advisory Committee on Aeronautics (NACA) selected a rural portion of northern Hampton over several other sites due to its railway and waterway access, proximity to Washington, nearby shipbuilding industries, flat terrain, and favorable climate. Now known as the NASA Langley Research Center, this site has been instrumental in countless scientific and engineering breakthroughs. It served as a critical training ground for the original Mercury 7 astronauts and subsequent lunar landing missions. You can delve deeper into Hampton’s rich aeronautical history at the town’s Virginia Air and Space Center
Today Hampton is a crossroads of diverse culture all working together to make the city stronger. Let’s explore all the fun and interesting things Hampton has to offer.
Fun Things to Do in Hampton:
Virginia Air and Space Center: Need some space? Discover a world of wonder at the VASSC. As one of only 15 official NASA Visitor Centers in the United States, you can learn about NASA, science and space exploration through immersive, hands-on experiences that bring STEM education to life. From exploring cutting-edge technologies to engaging with interactive exhibits and uncovering the past, present, and future of space exploration, VASSC inspires visitors of all ages with the boundless potential of science and innovation.
Get excited about science and explore space at this world class center https://vasc.org/
Fort Monroe: Fortress of Freedom
We briefly delved into Fort Monroe’s history earlier…if you do one thing in Hampton, this should be it! Fort Monroe is located on the site of the Native American village of Kecoughtan and has served as a fortress since 1609, when Captain John Ratcliffe established Fort Algernone as a wooden fort structure. The body of water where the Chesapeake and James Rivers meet is one of the world’s largest natural harbors. Its strategic location has long made it an important defensive post, but also a frequent target for attack. During the War of 1812, British forces easily accessed Hampton through the Old Point Comfort area, which raised the alarm that the region needed a stronger defensive fort system.
Building at Fort Monroe began in 1822, under the guidance of Simon Bernard, a Frenchman and former Napoleonic engineer who later served as a brevet Brigadier General in the U.S. Army. Completed in 1832, it was named Fort Monroe after President James Monroe. Fort Monroe is the largest stone fort ever built in the United States and remains a magnificent example of a moat-encircled fort.
Interesting History: Visitors to the Fort Monroe visitor center and museums will learn that in its early years, Robert E. Lee (then serving in the U.S. Army) played a significant role. From 1831 to 1834, Lee was responsible for directing large engineering projects during the fort’s construction. Under Lee’s supervision, the moat was excavated to its proper depth, and he oversaw the pointing and finishing of key walls. In addition, he worked on Fort Calhoun, the man-made island fortification in Hampton Roads later renamed Fort Wool.
During the Civil War, Fort Monroe earned its enduring nickname: ‘Freedom’s Fortress.’ This was due to the pivotal ‘Contraband of War’ decision in 1861, which granted sanctuary to three enslaved men—and thousands who followed—who escaped to Union control at the fort.
After the war, Fort Monroe became the unlikely prison for Confederate President Jefferson Davis. Accused of treason, plotting Lincoln’s assassination, and mistreating Union POWs, he was initially held in a casemate cell, famously chained in ankle irons. He was later moved to a better cell and, surprisingly, released in 1867 after posting a $100,000 bail paid by prominent northerners like Horace Greeley and Cornelius Vanderbilt. He was never brought to trial.
Exploring Fort Monroe Today:
Today, you can immerse yourself in centuries of history across Fort Monroe’s various sites. Start at the Visitor Center and Education Center, where you’ll get an overview of the fort’s history and find helpful park rangers to guide your adventure.
Other must-see sites at Fort Monroe include:
The Casemate Museum: Located within the fort, this museum chronicles its military history from the construction of Fort Algernon in 1609 through its last major command. Don’t miss the very room where Jefferson Davis was briefly held prisoner, or the exhibits detailing the “Contraband of War” decision that solidified Fort Monroe’s legacy as “Freedom’s Fortress.”
Building No. 1: Constructed in 1819, this is the oldest house inside the moat. It’s historically significant as the place where Major General Benjamin Butler made the “Contraband of War” declaration, and where President Lincoln stayed while planning the attack on Norfolk in 1862. Learn more here
Chapel of the Centurion: Built in 1857, this beautiful structure served as the Army’s oldest wooden chapel in continuous use for religious services until 2011, when it transitioned to a civilian church. Noteworthy for its Gothic Revival design by Richard Upjohn, it also features exquisite stained-glass memorial windows, three of which are attributed to Louis Comfort Tiffany. Website
St. Mary Star of the Sea Church: As the ninth oldest parish in the Diocese of Richmond and the oldest Catholic parish on the Peninsula, this church holds the unique distinction of being the only diocesan church in the nation located on a military installation, funded solely by its parishioners. Website
Old Point Comfort Lighthouse:
Standing strategically at the mouth of the James, Nansemond, and Elizabeth Rivers, this historic lighthouse serves as the entrance to Hampton Roads. Its location has been important for navigation for centuries, with Native Americans reportedly guiding Spanish ships with fires here. It played a crucial role in protecting Hampton’s port and became integral to the Union’s Civil War defense, remaining a powerful reminder of the region’s rich maritime and military past.
Nature and Recreation at Fort Monroe: Beyond the history, enjoy Fort Monroe’s natural beauty at its beaches and fishing pier. You can also take in a show at Continental Park, a waterfront venue that hosts summer concerts and events fun for the whole family. Check out a list of special events at Continental Park like concerts, Fourth of July Fireworks and more…
Hampton History Museum:
Get into over 400 years of Hampton History at this awesome museum…Experience over 4 centuries of national history and view how Hampton evolved as “America’s Gateway” from Native American days to the Space Age. 10 galleries arranged in chronological order share the beginning of the Virginia Colony and the evolution of Tidewater Virginia life. Meet Blackbeard the Pirate lurking in the galleries, experience the burning of Hampton during the Civil War and see how the Contraband decision was the first step toward freedom for millions of African Americans. Also home to the Hampton Visitor Center and Museum Shop, this is a great way to begin your exploration of Hampton!
Hampton is the oldest continuous English-speaking settlement in America and artifacts drawn from the city’s extensive collection highlight the diverse contributions of the early villages through the emergence of the modern city as a center of air and space research. Plan your visit here
Hampton University Museum:
Founded in 1868 this is the oldest African American museum in the United States and one of the oldest museums in Virginia. It is the first institutional collection of work by African-American artists, and also has the South’s largest collection of ethnic art, including African and American Indian art and artifacts. With galleries dedicated to African American, African, American Indian, Asian and Pacific art and artifacts, the museum contains more than 9,000 objects representing cultures and people from around the world. Plan your visit here.
Charles H. Taylor Visual Arts Center
The Charles H. Taylor Visual Arts Center is a hub of arts and arts education in Hampton. Housed in a 1925 historic building that served as Hampton’s public library for more than 60 years, the building now presents changing exhibitions featuring some of the best local, regional, and national artists, as well as classes for children and adults. CHTVAC is also the meeting space for the Hampton Arts League. Free Admission. Gallery Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10 AM – 6 PM; Closed Sundays and Mondays. Plan Your Visit Here
Catch a Show in Hampton:
Hampton is a center for cultural entertainment including theatre, live music, and more.
The Historic American Theatre has been beautifully restored to host live shows with performers like Branford Marsalis to classic movies. Buy tickets here
Hampton Coliseum is a large venue for regional events including concerts by PHISH to the Hampton Jazz Festival. Check their calendar here.
Fun for The Family
From beaches to city parks and regional fun – kids and families will never lack for fun in Hampton.
Bluebird Gap Farm
Bluebird Gap Farm offers an exciting, family-oriented adventure and educational experience rarely seen in an urban environment. The 60-acre farm has around 150 domestic and wild animals. We have the usual farm animals such as horses, cows, pigs, goats, and chickens. We are also home to birds of prey, whitetail deer, llamas, alpacas, tortoises, peacocks, rabbits, and waterfowl!
The park features a covered pavilion with 18 picnic tables and a large charcoal grill. Other picnic tables and grills are placed throughout the farm for our guests’ convenience. The antique display barn features a variety of both home and farm antique pieces from various time periods over the last couple of centuries. Snack and drink vending machines are also located in the antique barn. Animal feed machines are located in several locations for those wanting a more ‘interactive’ experience (don’t forget your quarters!). Admission is free. Website
Beaches and Natural Wonders:
Buckroe Beach and Park: This beautiful waterfront park provides prime Chesapeake Bay access with three-quarters of a mile of a pristine beach, picnic tables, nautical themed playground and a bandshell for special events. There are large restroom facilities with outdoor showers next to the playground. Website
Grandview Nature Preserve:
Explore the serenity of this 500-acre preserve along the Chesapeake Bay, which may be entered on foot via 2.5 mile trail through a cordgrass marsh, where a medley of wetland waders can be seen. In wooded patches along the trail, woodland birds, like the eastern towhee, are abundant. The trail’s end leads to a beautiful sandy beach. During spring, the beach’s dunes are home to the largest colony of least terns on the Atlantic Coast. Black skimmer, American oystercatcher and other shorebirds also frequent the beach. During winter, northern gannets or tundra swans can be spotted as they fly over offshore waters. Plan your trip here
Cruise the Chesapeake on The Hampton Roads Harbor Tour…These fun boat cruises take you on a scenic journey around Hampton’s beautiful waterfront. From sunset cruises, to wildlife viewing and history you’ll learn about one of the busiest ports on the East Coast – from the 1607 founding of Jamestown – to the destroyers, submarines, and aircraft carriers at Norfolk Naval Base. This is a MUST-DO while in Hampton. Book your cruise adventure here
Check-into Comfort in Hampton Area B&Bs
Hampton has several quaint inns that provide cozy convenience and Hampton hospitality. Here are a few local recommendations where you can check into adventure:
Magnolia House Inn – Bed and Breakfast: Located in the waterfront downtown area, the Magnolia House Inn is a Hampton, Virginia bed and breakfast that is the city’s premier inn with the most sought-after lodging experience. Guests find this Coastal Virginia B&B a luxurious and comfortable stay for both business and leisure travel.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmarks Register, the historic Queen Anne Victorian offers 3 spacious guestrooms that are sophisticated and comfortable with impeccable amenities and services to enhance the guests’ stay. Delicious breakfasts are a memorable experience and our concierge services are the pride of our hospitality standard.
The Magnolia House Inn is conveniently located on the Southeastern tip of the Virginia peninsula, close to business and tourist attractions. It is the perfect base to explore the Hampton Roads and Eastern Shore of Coastal Virginia. Website
Shirley’s Buckroe Beach Inn:
Relax in a cozy inn with gorgeous beach front views and access to all Hampton has to offer. Website
Take a Bite out of Hampton’s Food Scene
Hampton has a reputation for mouthwatering restaurants from fresh seafood to international culinary spots for every palette.
I recommend starting your morning with a cup of java at Buckroe Coffee Company, where you can savor the best beans from sustainable vendors and a cool local coffee shop atmosphere to power your adventures in Hampton.
Savor the catch of the day at Hampton’s best seafood restaurants. Locals love Graham and Rollins, Fuller’s Raw Bar, Deadrise at Old Point Comfort and Twisted Crab
Need more foodie suggestions, I recommend Visit Hampton’s official tourism website here.
plan your hampton adventure here:
Ready to chart your course to Hampton – I recommend these websites to help get your started.
Also check out our other posts about the greater Hampton Region – so you can experience all the Tidewater has to offer.
Regional Fun:
Catch a Wave: Exploring Virginia Beach – American Nomad Guide to this Awesome Beach City not far from Hampton
Your Guide to Norfolk VA – just across the bay from Hampton – lots of family fun in Norfolk too!
Anchored in Portsmouth – Get to learn the history about this amazing Port City near Hampton
Get the News about Newport News – Fun and History not far from Hampton
Liberty Trails – Exploring Yorktown VA – site of the victory for American Independence
Must-See in Williamsburg VA – Colonial History to Busch Gardens – not far from Hampton
Want more American Nomad Adventures? Don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for the latest travels!
You can also follow us on facebook for the latest blog posts, cool reels, daily history and travel tips
We also have a podcast and vlog – American Nomad Traveler is available on all streaming platforms through Buzzsprout and on YouTube
We are now on Substack for additional content from Travel to History to Art and beyond…
Hi, I’m Adele Lassiter, the travel enthusiast behind American Nomad Traveler. This blog where I share my love for history, cool museums, art, and travel tips. When I’m not writing, I’m a singer-songwriter with a passion for Americana music. Her new album is available here: adelelassiter.bandcamp.com
Interested in partnering with American Nomad or have an idea for a travel post? Contact us at americannomadtraveler@gmail.com or by using the Contact Form below:
One thought on “Hampton VA: Anchored in HIstory and Out of this World”