History & Alumni

Hampton University’s roots started in 1868 with its founding on the banks of the Virginia Peninsula by Brigadier General Samuel Chapman Armstrong, the 29-year-old son of missionary parents. Hampton became an oasis of opportunity for the thousands of newly freed people gathered behind Union lines. With the aid of the American Missionary Association, the school was established to train selected young men and women to “go out to teach and lead their people,” and to build a viable industrial system on the strength of self-sufficiency, intelligent labor, and solid moral character. The first baccalaureate degrees were awarded in 1922. On July 1, 1930, the school’s name was changed to Hampton Institute, reflecting college level accreditation. In 1984, Hampton’s Board of Trustees formally adopted a university structure and changed the name to Hampton University, which today represents the unparalleled standard of excellence in American higher education.

Hampton University has a long and proud history of service to the United States and the African American community by providing to society well-educated individuals who help advance the achievements of the nation. Since 1948, Hampton has commissioned officers in its ROTC program and thus provided leaders to the nation’s military service. Throughout the history of Hampton University, its military and other uniformed services alumni have made significant contributions to the military and the nation. For example, Lieutenant Colonel Francis Horne was an original “Tuskegee Airman,” George Cooper was one of the “Golden Thirteen” (first African American commissioned Naval Officers), Rudi Carter was a “Montfort Point Marine” (first African American Marines), and Hamptonians were members of the “Triple Nickels” (555 Parachute Infantry Battalion, a World War II African American parachute unit). Similar achievements by other Hampton military and uniformed services alumni also are recognized in this publication. These achievements are only a sampling of the many and great contributions that our alumni have made.

History & Alumni

Pirate Battalion Flag Officers