Along the shores of Hampton Roads' many communities, you can find plenty of sand but also stand where the first Africans were brought to America. And while the history is deep, the area is also home to some of the world's most successful contemporary Black artists and musicians.

Welcome to Virginia’s Black Heritage Trail. A partnership with the Virginia Department of Historical Resources, the Trail will guide you through many of the historical markers and cultural sites that make up the foundation of Virginia’s history.

Hampton Roads Virginians

Check out the under-told stories of these historic figures.

Ella Fitzgerald

"It isn't where you came from, it's where you're going that counts.”

Black History Attractions

Aberdeen Gardens Historic Museum

  • 57 North Mary Peake Boulevard

The museum celebrates the history, heritage and future of historic Aberdeen Gardens. Built for and by African-Americans in 1935 as…

Bacon's Castle

  • 465 Bacon's Castle Trail

Built in 1665, Bacon’s Castle is the oldest standing brick dwelling in the United States and was originally home to…

Fort Monroe

  • 30 Ingalls Road

Completed in 1834 and named in honor of President James Monroe, Fort Monroe is recognized as the largest stone fort ever built in…

Fort Monroe - Casemate Museum

  • 30 Ingalls Road

Within the fort is the Casemate Museum, which chronicles the military history of Fort Monroe from the construction of Fort…

Black-Owned Restaurants

Mango Mangeaux

  • 33 E Mellen Street

Our menu is crafted from flavor infusions of three distinct cuisines: French. Creole. NeoSoul. These cuisines are meaningful to us…

Cutlass Grille

  • 805 N Battlefield Boulevard

Cutlass Grille Restaurant specializes in Jamaican cuisine. It is an independently-owned family restaurant that provides delicious…