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History of Hampton, Virginia, USA
Journey back in time to Hampton, Virginia, USA
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Visit Hampton, Virginia, USA. Discover its history. Learn about the people who lived there through stories, old newspaper articles, pictures, postcards and ancestry.Do You Have Hampton Roots? Share MY Ancestral Story!

Hampton originated around Fort Algernourne (now Fort Monroe), built in 1609 on the site of the village of Kecoughtan, named for the tribe that inhabited it, to protect the area from Spanish raiders. Permanent settlement dates from 1610, which makes it the nation’s oldest continuously settled community of English origin. It became part of Elizabeth City (later reorganized as Elizabeth City county) in 1620. St. John’s Church was established in 1610; the present structure, dating from 1728, has been restored. Hampton, named in the late 1600s for Henry Wriothesley, 3rd earl of Southampton, was organized as a town in 1705. It grew as a seaport, being surpassed later by Norfolk. Attacked by pirates (notably Blackbeard) in the early 1700s, and again during the American Revolution and the War of 1812, it was burned by Confederates in 1861 at the beginning of the American Civil War to prevent its capture by Union forces occupying nearby Old Point Comfort and Fort Monroe. It was rebuilt after the war and later flourished with the arrival of the railroad in the 1880s. Fishing and seafood-processing industries subsequently developed.
britannica.com
There is MUCH more to discover about Hampton, Virginia, USA. Read on!
Hampton Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Discover Hampton: History, News, Travel, and Stories

1634 - Benjamin Syms endows first U.S. free school, in Hampton, Virginia
The World Almanac of the U.S.A, by Allan Carpenter and Carl Provorse, 1996
The World Almanac of the U.S.A, by Allan Carpenter and Carl Provorse, 1996
1854 - Hampton
Hampton, a borough, capital of Elizabeth City county, Virginia, on the left bank of James river, about 2 miles from its entrance into the Chesapeake bay, and 96 miles S. E. from Richmond. The part of the estuary of James river situated between this town and Norfolk is called Hampton Roads. Hampton is an old town possessing much historic interest, and has been the birthplace of several distinguished naval officers. Its present importance is derived principally from its proximity to Forts Monroe and Calhoun. The former, in addition to its other sources of expenditure, has lately become one of the most fashionable places of resort in the South. The beach in the vicinity affords excellent bathing ground, and is thronged during the summer months with the wealthy and fashionable, and by some invalids, assembled there from Virginia, Maryland, and the Southern States. Fort Monroe is 2£ miles from Hampton. The town contains 4 churches, several hotels, and numerous stores. Settled in 1705.... Read MORE...
Hampton, a borough, capital of Elizabeth City county, Virginia, on the left bank of James river, about 2 miles from its entrance into the Chesapeake bay, and 96 miles S. E. from Richmond. The part of the estuary of James river situated between this town and Norfolk is called Hampton Roads. Hampton is an old town possessing much historic interest, and has been the birthplace of several distinguished naval officers. Its present importance is derived principally from its proximity to Forts Monroe and Calhoun. The former, in addition to its other sources of expenditure, has lately become one of the most fashionable places of resort in the South. The beach in the vicinity affords excellent bathing ground, and is thronged during the summer months with the wealthy and fashionable, and by some invalids, assembled there from Virginia, Maryland, and the Southern States. Fort Monroe is 2£ miles from Hampton. The town contains 4 churches, several hotels, and numerous stores. Settled in 1705.... Read MORE...
1895 - Hampton
Hampton, the capital of Elizabeth City co., Va., is on the N. side of Hampton Roads, at the mouth of the James River, 15 miles N.N.W. of Norfolk, and 2 miles W. of Fort Monroe. It contains 7 churches, the Hampton Normal Institute (colored), which was organized in 1868, 2 banks, 2 newspaper offices, and a free school. Here is a fashionable £of resort, with good bathing-ground on the beach at Qld Point Comfort. Hampton has manufactures of ploughs, building-material, &c. Pop, in 1880, 2684; in 1890, 2513.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
Hampton, the capital of Elizabeth City co., Va., is on the N. side of Hampton Roads, at the mouth of the James River, 15 miles N.N.W. of Norfolk, and 2 miles W. of Fort Monroe. It contains 7 churches, the Hampton Normal Institute (colored), which was organized in 1868, 2 banks, 2 newspaper offices, and a free school. Here is a fashionable £of resort, with good bathing-ground on the beach at Qld Point Comfort. Hampton has manufactures of ploughs, building-material, &c. Pop, in 1880, 2684; in 1890, 2513.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
1916
Hampton, a banking post-town, the capital of Elizabeth City co., Va., is on the N. side of Hampton Roads, at the mouth of the James River, 15 miles NNW. of Norfolk. It is on the Chesapeake and Ohio R. It contains the Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute (colored and Indian), which was organised in 1868, a National Soldiers' Home, and two National cemeteries. It is connected by tramway with Old Point Comfort. Hampton has various manufactures and is a shipping point for fish and oysters. Pop. in 1900, 3441.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher
Hampton, a banking post-town, the capital of Elizabeth City co., Va., is on the N. side of Hampton Roads, at the mouth of the James River, 15 miles NNW. of Norfolk. It is on the Chesapeake and Ohio R. It contains the Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute (colored and Indian), which was organised in 1868, a National Soldiers' Home, and two National cemeteries. It is connected by tramway with Old Point Comfort. Hampton has various manufactures and is a shipping point for fish and oysters. Pop. in 1900, 3441.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher
1953 - September 15 - WVEC TV channel 13 in Hampton-Norfolk, VA (ABC) begins broadcasting
historyorb.com
historyorb.com
1966 - TWO DIE AS PLANE SMASHES HOMES. 60 LEFT HOMELESS IN VIRGINIA. MARINE BOMBERS IN MID-AIR COLLISION.
Hampton, Va., (AP) - Officials said today they were convinced there were no more dead or injured in the rubble of a suburban neighborhood devastated by the flaming crash of a Marine Corps attack bomber hurtling from an in-flight collision.
Police said two persons - a 30 year old mother, MARY GALLANT and her 19-month-old son DONALD - died. Forty-four persons were treated for injuries, mainly burns. Ten remained hospitalized.
Sixty persons were left homeless in the total destruction of 10 houses and damage to 17 others.
None Reported Missing.
Hampton Police Chief L. H. Nicholson said, "We have gone through all the destroyed and damaged houses and found no additional bodies. I don't believe we will find any more. We have no reports of missing persons."
Nicholson and Fire Marshall F. F. Hopkins both used the same terms to describe their feelings about the light loss of life in such a densely populated area - "miraculous."
The two-seater A6 Intruder light bomber plowed into ... Read MORE...
Hampton, Va., (AP) - Officials said today they were convinced there were no more dead or injured in the rubble of a suburban neighborhood devastated by the flaming crash of a Marine Corps attack bomber hurtling from an in-flight collision.
Police said two persons - a 30 year old mother, MARY GALLANT and her 19-month-old son DONALD - died. Forty-four persons were treated for injuries, mainly burns. Ten remained hospitalized.
Sixty persons were left homeless in the total destruction of 10 houses and damage to 17 others.
None Reported Missing.
Hampton Police Chief L. H. Nicholson said, "We have gone through all the destroyed and damaged houses and found no additional bodies. I don't believe we will find any more. We have no reports of missing persons."
Nicholson and Fire Marshall F. F. Hopkins both used the same terms to describe their feelings about the light loss of life in such a densely populated area - "miraculous."
The two-seater A6 Intruder light bomber plowed into ... Read MORE...
2023 - Hampton, Virginia has a rich history and offers a variety of attractions and activities. Here's a list to get you started:
Fort Monroe National Monument: Explore this historic fort, which played a key role in American history, including the Civil War. The Casemate Museum within the fort provides fascinating insights.
Hampton History Museum: Dive into the local history of Hampton through exhibits and artifacts. It's a great way to learn about the city's past.
Buckroe Beach: Enjoy the sun, sand, and sea at Buckroe Beach. It's a lovely spot for picnics, beach volleyball, or simply relaxing by the water.
Hampton University: Take a stroll through the beautiful campus of Hampton University. The Emancipation Oak and the historic architecture are worth checking out.
Virginia Air and Space Science Center: Perfect for aviation enthusiasts, this museum offers interactive exhibits and an IMAX theater. It's a great place for families and anyone interested in space exploration.
Hampton Carousel: Located in Carousel Park, this historic carousel is a charming ride for both kids and adults. It's one of the... Read MORE...
Fort Monroe National Monument: Explore this historic fort, which played a key role in American history, including the Civil War. The Casemate Museum within the fort provides fascinating insights.
Hampton History Museum: Dive into the local history of Hampton through exhibits and artifacts. It's a great way to learn about the city's past.
Buckroe Beach: Enjoy the sun, sand, and sea at Buckroe Beach. It's a lovely spot for picnics, beach volleyball, or simply relaxing by the water.
Hampton University: Take a stroll through the beautiful campus of Hampton University. The Emancipation Oak and the historic architecture are worth checking out.
Virginia Air and Space Science Center: Perfect for aviation enthusiasts, this museum offers interactive exhibits and an IMAX theater. It's a great place for families and anyone interested in space exploration.
Hampton Carousel: Located in Carousel Park, this historic carousel is a charming ride for both kids and adults. It's one of the... Read MORE...
Discover MY Roots: Hampton Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Hampton, Virginia, USA
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Patriotic Memories: Memorial Day Vintage Postcard Coffee Mug
Remembering the Brave, Honoring the Fallen Celebrate the spirit of Memorial Day with this stunning ceramic coffee mug featuring vintage postcards commemorating the holiday. Perfect for honoring the brave men and women who served, this mug is both a functional keepsake and a nostalgic work of art. Whether you're sipping your morning coffee or enjoying an afternoon tea, this dishwasher-safe and microwave-friendly mug is a timeless way to show your patriotism. Ideal as a gift for veterans, history buffs, or anyone who cherishes American traditions, this mug makes Memorial Day even more meaningful.
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NOTE: If you don't know your ancestor's whole name or are unsure of the spelling, specify part of the name.Updated: 10/16/2023 9:53:31 AM