Fort Monroe is a wonderful place to visit. If you are a history buff, nature lover or simply looking for a good meal, a day at Fort Monroe is unlike any other.
Fort Monroe has received several national designations to celebrate and protect this area’s important heritage. 
The Landing of the First Africans to English North America
The first Africans, kidnapped and brought to English North America, came from the kingdoms of Kongo, and Ndongo and Matamba, the two largest states in central Africa ruled by an elected King chosen from a line of royal lineages. The highly advanced societies were invaded by the Portuguese in the late 1400s who in the ensuing decades meddled in the affairs of the African continent and eventually set in motion the trans-Atlantic slave trade.
In 1619 the São João Bautista sailed from the Port of Luanda, Angola laden with over 350 enslaved Africans bound for Vera Cruz in the colony of New Spain. The horrors of the middle passage across the Atlantic are unimaginable. As the slave ship transited the Bay of Campeche, two English privateer ships, the White Lion and Treasurer attacked the São João Bautista and seized 60 Africans. The privateers, looking for refuge and supplies, sailed north until reaching Point Comfort in August 1619. The enslaved Africans were brought ashore and traded for supplies after which they were sold to colonists throughout the area.
This historical event changed the course of the history from the early years of the Virginia colony, to the founding of America and into the future. The perseverance, resiliency and courage of the men and women who landed at Point Comfort ensured the survival of the nascent colony and enriched those who exploited them
Slavery in the English colonies began with this happen chance as did the collision of three cultures: Indigenous, African and European. Oftentimes violence and destruction were the result of the encounter, but so is the fusion of practices that are seen in many aspects of American culture, such as the preparation of foods, music, language and oral traditions.
Schedule of Events at Continental Park from 9 am to 1 pm
This will be a participatory event by all attendees. Guests are encouraged to dress comfortably and to wear walking shoes. Seating will be limited so please bring folding chairs or blankets and water bottles.
African Landing Day Commemoration Events:
The William Tucker 1624 Society’s Annual African Landing Event
Saturday, August 23, 2025, 9 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Continental Park, Fort Monroe
This event marks 406 years of African/African American contributions and resilience in America. Senator Mamie Locke, representing Virginia State Senate District 23, will deliver the keynote address.
African Landing Day Commemoration and International Ringing of the Bells Ceremony
Saturday, August 23, 2025, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Continental Park, Fort Monroe
Commemorate and recognize the landing of the first enslaved Africans on the shores at Point Comfort. This ceremony will include a parade of flags, dance and drum performances, a bell ringing ceremony, and more. A special guest speaker Djimon Hounsou, a two-time Oscar nominee and founder of the Djimon Hounsou Foundation will make remarks at the ceremony.
On December 2, 2019, the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, Hounsou announced the formation of the Djimon Hounsou Foundation (DHF) at the United Nations in New York City. Hounsou’s nonprofit, which organizes Run Richmond 16.19, aims to reconnect the African Diaspora with the motherland and combat modern-day slavery & human trafficking.
The Healing and Cleansing Ceremony
Sunday, August 24, 2025, 6 a.m.
Outlook Beach, Fort Monroe
This Day of Healing offers attendees a unique opportunity for spiritual cleansing and renewal. Participants are encouraged to wear all white for this ceremony.
Food trucks will be onsite from 9 am to 3 pm. This event is weather permitting.
Special thanks to the City of Hampton, Hampton Convention & Visitors Bureau, Fort Monroe Authority, William Tucker 1624 Society, and Project 1619, Inc. for their support of this program.