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Hampton, Virginia

Located in Independent City, Virginia, Hampton was founded in 1610. Hampton is the oldest continuous English-speaking settlement in America. The first Africans in English North America landed at Point Comfort near Hampton in 1619.

Founded 1610 | Population 137,148 | Peak 137,148 (2024) | County Independent City

Top 10 Most Important Events for Hampton, Virginia

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1610Oldest English Settlement: Continuous English-speaking settlement established — oldest in America.

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1619First Africans Arrive: First Africans in English North America arrive at nearby Point Comfort.

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1861Contraband Decision: Gen. Butler declares escaped slaves 'contraband of war' at Fort Monroe, beginning path to emancipation.

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1868Hampton University Founded: Historically Black university established to educate freedmen.

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1917Langley Field Opens: Army aviation research center that becomes NASA Langley.

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1958NASA Langley Research Center: Space agency established; Hampton becomes cradle of American space program.

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Complete Historical Timeline

1610 Culture

Oldest English Settlement

1619 Civil Rights

First Africans Arrive

1861 Civil Rights

Contraband Decision

1868 Culture

Hampton University Founded

1917 Science

Langley Field Opens

1958 Science

NASA Langley Research Center

Did You Know?

Hampton is the oldest continuous English-speaking settlement in America.

The first Africans in English North America landed at Point Comfort near Hampton in 1619.

NASA Langley Research Center was the birthplace of America's space program.

Hampton is located in Independent City, Virginia.

Hampton was founded in 1610.

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