THE 1619 LANDING
Go deeper than a static article. Walk the timeline, then ask the Prodigal AI Companion anything — it answers only from the sourced record, cites each source, and tells you plainly when the history is disputed.
The Story, Milestone by Milestone
John Rolfe's letter records the White Lion 'brought not any thing but 20. and odd Negroes,' bought 'for victualls.' No surviving document specifies the day — Rolfe wrote only 'late August.' August 20 and August 25 are both commonly cited, but neither is confirmed by a primary source. The Africans were likely Kimbundu-speaking, from present-day Angola; the White Lion and a second ship, the Treasurer, had taken them from a Portuguese slave ship.
Where the record is uncertain: The exact date (Aug. 20 vs. Aug. 25 vs. 'late August') is uncertain — no surviving document specifies a day.
SourcesNational Park ServiceEncyclopedia VirginiaHISTORY.com
This Week at Fort Monroe
African Landing Commemoration Week · Aug. 22–29, 2026
Saturday, Aug. 22
Honoring the first Africans brought in 1619 and their legacy of culture, identity, resistance and triumph — including an International Bell Ringing Ceremony. Free and open to all.
Sunday, Aug. 23
An early-morning spiritual cleansing and renewal ceremony honoring the water as a site of both trauma and renewal.
A panel discussion on dealing — personally and as a community — with the trauma and mental health of shared history.
A reading of the picture book about the origin and advancement of humans with illustrator Nikkolas Smith. Ages 8 and up.
Monday, Aug. 24
Traditional West African dance and drumming workshops for youth ages 8–18 with The DAY Program. Registration required.
An artist talk and time capsule dedication. Free and open to the public; registration requested.
Tuesday, Aug. 25
A morning of physical, mental and emotional health with The DAY Program — self-care and healthy living.
All-ages traditional West African dance and drumming workshops. Free; registration required.
Wednesday, Aug. 26
A live reading of the award-winning picture book on the origin and advancement of humans. Free and open to the public.
Thursday, Aug. 27
WHRO's Another View broadcasts live from the memorial site, taking a deep dive into the statue and the history of 1619. Register to reserve a spot.
A lecture with Project 1619 on the difference between historical terms, how they work when we tell the history, and why precise language matters.
An evening supporting Black-owned businesses and local entrepreneurs.
Friday, Aug. 28
A lecture with renowned former USA Today journalists. Free and open to the public.
A film screening followed by a community panel discussion.
Saturday, Aug. 29
The William Tucker 1624 Society's annual ceremony of remembrance.
Descendants process and walk to the African Landing Memorial for the unveiling ceremony.
The national unveiling of the first portion of the African Landing Memorial sculpture — sculptures honoring Antony, Isabella, and William. Free and open to all.