Sail Fort Monroe and Old Point Comfort

In 1619 a privateer ship named the White Lion landed at Old Point Comfort where '20 and odd" Africans were traded for supplies.  While it is not known if they were traded as enslaved individuals or an individual with an indenture of servitude, it is the spot where slavery begins in in english America. 

Let's roll forward 242 years.

In 1861 three enslaved individuals, who this sailor believes, sailed to Old Point Comfort and landed to seek freedom from slavery.  Here at Fort Monroe, a Brig General Butler heard their story and then met their owners representative who sought return of property under the 1850 fugitive slave act.  Butler shared his reasons and retained the enslaved individuals as confiscated military property.  This action led to new US military policy and set the ground for the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, freeing enslaved individuals in areas in rebellion.  Thus, at Old Point Comfort and Fort Monroe slavery began in 1619 and  began to end in 1861 in what is now the United States of America.

Come join us watching the sailboats off of Old Point Comfort to celebrate Summer Sailstice and those who sailed in our past collective History.