Angela (enslaved woman) facts for kids
Angela (who lived around 1619–1625) was one of the first enslaved Africans officially recorded in the colony of Virginia in 1619. Her story is an important part of early American history.
Early Life and Enslavement
We don't know much about Angela's early life or when she was born. It's thought she was born in what is now Angola. This area was home to people who spoke the Kimbundu language. She likely grew up in the countryside.
In 1619, Angela was part of a group of about 350 enslaved Africans. They were sold to Manuel Mendes da Cunha, the captain of a ship called the São João Bautista. This ship was headed to Vera Cruz, Mexico. The people on board were meant to be sold to work on large farms (plantations) in the Caribbean and other places.
During its journey across the Atlantic Ocean, the São João Bautista was attacked. Two other ships, the Treasurer and the White Lion, attacked it. These ships had special papers called letters-of-mark. These papers gave them permission to attack Portuguese ships.
The Treasurer and White Lion stole about 45 to 50 enslaved Angolans. They then changed course and sailed to Virginia. The ships arrived at Point Comfort in late August 1619. The White Lion arrived first. It had twenty enslaved people, who were traded for food. A few days later, the Treasurer arrived with another group. Some people were taken off the ship before it quickly left, fearing it might be arrested. Angela was likely one of the people taken off the Treasurer. She was bought by a man named Captain William Peirce. These two groups of enslaved people are now known as the 'First Africans'.
Life in Virginia
After Captain Peirce bought her, Angela worked in his home. In 1622, local Native American groups attacked the colony. They killed 347 people, but Angela survived. After the attack, there was a time of little food (famine). Angela also survived this difficult period.
In 1625, Angela was listed in the Virginia Colony records. These records were called a "muster." She was listed as one of four servants belonging to the Peirce family. She was the only Black person listed. After 1625, Angela's name does not appear in any more historical records. We do not know when she died.
Archaeological Investigation
Archaeology is the study of human history through digging up old sites and objects. The first archaeological dig at 'The Angela Site' happened in the 1930s. Many of the workers were African American laborers.
Between 2017 and 2019, archaeologists from Historic Jamestowne investigated the area where Captain Peirce's property once stood. They hoped to learn more about the lives of Angela and other early residents. During their digging, they found four cowrie shells. These shells are sometimes used as money or jewelry in parts of Africa. Experts think these shells might be connected to Angela.
Legacy
On August 18, 2019, people gathered in Jamestown to remember an important event. It was the 400th anniversary of Angela and other enslaved people arriving in America. More than 200 people attended, including members of the NAACP. People from the Ghanaian community also attended.
For some members of the African American community, Angela is a very important historical figure. As one of the 'First Africans', she is a key part of their historical identity. At Historic Jamestowne, an actor dressed in old clothes tells Angela's story to visitors. A new play about Angela's story was also created by the Jamestown Settlement. One of the cowrie shells found in 2019 is on display at the Archaearium museum in Historic Jamestowne. A special memorial to Angela was also revealed at Fort Monroe.
