February 2004

Memories of Success

Sites commemorating African-American progress can be found throughout Hampton Roads

by Pamela M. Covington

Whether they were brought here to work in Jamestown, ventured to Fort Monroe in search of freedom or entered the region under other circumstances, undoubtedly early African-Americans in Hampton Roads underwent unfathomable personal trials. Our country’s history began here, and with it a chapter in black history. We may not notice it as we traverse our quotidian routines, but the region is overflowing with countless sites recalling not only early African-American oppression, but also those that are symbolic of early African-American progress, much of which also occurred in the Tidewater region.

Many evolutionary sites, such as older churches, historically black colleges and remaining plantations sites are obvious. However, a more detailed inquiry traces the challenging steps toward racial progress. One could easily spend weeks reading, mapping and driving throughout Hampton Roads to see the history of the success firsthand. What is presented here is merely a representative sample.

Most of the sites mentioned are on the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmarks Register. Several also feature Virginia Highway Historic Markers.

For the rest of this story, you can order the February 2004 issue of Hampton Roads Magazine.