First Landing Cross

Visit the site where British ships landed safely in the new world.

After traveling by ship for over 4 months from England, settlers reached this land on April 26, 1607. The first permanent English settlers from the London Company set up a cross, possibly using English oak wood, and named the place Cape Henry. It was named after the Prince of Wales, the oldest son of King James l. There is an annual pilgrimage to celebrate this milestone.

In 1935, a granite cross was placed by the National Society Daughters of the American Colonists in memory of the wooden cross placed by the English colonists in 1607. It is a National Landmark and can be found at First Landing State Park. Take a picture next to this national landmark and learn about the history of the sailors who arrived here.