Cape Verdeans have been some of the earliest pioneers of the Pacific coast. The Lopes family seems to have led these early explorations. In 1858, Manuel Lopes, a Cape Verdean-born native, became the Seattle’s first barber and Black resident. He was a middle-aged sailor who originally settled in Massachusetts prior to moving to Seattle. About seventy years earlier, Marcus Lopez became the first Black to set foot in Oregon and the first to be killed by Native Americans.

Cape Verdeans have been some of the earliest pioneers of the Pacific coast. The Lopes family seems to have led these early explorations. In 1858, Manuel Lopes, a Cape Verdean-born native, became the Seattle’s first barber and Black resident. He was a middle-aged sailor who originally settled in Massachusetts prior to moving to Seattle. About seventy years earlier, Marcus Lopez became the first Black to set foot in Oregon and the first to be killed by Native Americans.

Lopez story is told below:
In 1787, an enterprising voyage was sponsored by businessmen who wanted to trade with Northwest Coast Native Americans for sea otters. A ship, The Lady Washington, was procured for the purpose and was captained by Robert Gray. Lady Washington left Boston, Massachusetts and stopped in Cape Verde to replenish supplies. 

Read complete story in news section: http://news.caboverdeonline.com/news-and-articles/128

Tags: Marcus Lopes

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