A state historial marker outlining the history of the “First Africans in Virginia” stands near the seawall at the Fort Monroe National Historic Site. The area was known as Point Comfort in 1619 when the “20 and odd Negroes,” captured by the Portugese in Africa and then stolen by pirates on the English ship White Lion, were traded in Virginia for food and provisions. (Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press)
