ON THIS DAY: Aug. 18 Marks The Beginning Of Slavery In America

In late August 1619, the English privateer ship White Lion anchored at Point Comfort (modern-day Hampton, Virginia,) carrying a cargo of “20 and odd” captive Angolans. Exchanged with colony leaders for food and essential supplies , these individuals became the first documented Africans brought to English North America, who were then distinguished by race, enslaved, and exploited for free labor. RELATED CONTENT: ON THIS DAY: July 29, 2008 Congress Issued Apology For Slavery