The Fort Monroe Authority is actively seeking a highly qualified general contractor experienced in pedestrian scale memorial site work to undertake the construction of a profoundly significant memorial plaza and its supporting infrastructure. This memorial plaza will be situated at Old Point Comfort, Virginia, the historic site of Fort Monroe, the largest stone fort in America, and the location where the first Africans arrived in English speaking North America in 1619.

The African Landing Memorial will commemorate a pivotal moment that resonates throughout more than four centuries of American history - the arrival of the first Africans in the Virginia Colony in English North America in August 1619 at Point Comfort. Point Comfort, now part of Fort Monroe in Hampton, Virginia, played a crucial role as the place where approximately 20 Africans, brought aboard the White Lion, were traded for provisions. This event marked the beginning of African presence and cultural contributions in what would eventually become the United States.

Inspired by the spirit of Sankofa, which emphasizes the importance of learning from the past to shape the future, the design of the memorial is centered around the line to Angola, a geographical feature that points to the ancestral homeland of many forcibly brought to the English colonies. Angola served as a significant source of enslaved Africans, with thousands taken from the West Central Africa region during the transatlantic slave trade. The Fort Monroe Authority is currently engaged in discussions with representatives of the Angolan government to establish a more profound and meaningful relationship.

The African Landing Memorial and Plaza will expand upon an already revered pilgrimage destination, recognizing that the roots of a culture in this country began at this very point. This memorial will stand as a constant reminder of the resilience and invaluable contributions of Africans and their descendants to the tapestry of American history.

A virtual pre-bid meeting will be held on Thursday, August 22 at 10:00 am via Microsoft Teams. Interested parties can join the meeting using the following credentials: Meeting ID: 243 600 340 97, Passcode: dVigaf. Bids for the project will be due on September 26th at 2:00 pm and will be publicly opened the following day.

For more information and to access the bid documents, interested contractors are encouraged to visit the Virginia Business Opportunities website: Virginia Business Opportunities (cgieva.com)

Phyllis Terrell (757) 251-2754 PTerrell@fortmonroe.org