Native Americans’ had role in Culpeper history

Zann Miner / Culpeper Star Exponent
Published: May 2, 2007

Often I am asked, "Were there any Native Americans living around here-" The short answer is absolutely and now is a great time to tell you about them.

In a couple of weeks, Jamestown will begin a yearlong celebration of its 400th birthday. Many of us grew up on Virginia history, but for those of you from somewhere else know this; if not for the Virginia Indians, the likelihood of any of those early settlers surviving is highly doubtful.

There is quite a bit written about the Powhatans of Jamestown fame, but little about the Native Americans residing along the Rapidan and Rappahannock rivers in the Culpeper region.

The earliest recorded documentation of their existence was during Capt. John Smith's early exploration —in 1608- of the lands above the fall line on the Rappahannock. Smith did not traverse as far west as what would become Culpeper County but did capture and interrogate a native named Amoroleck of the Hassininga village. According to Smith's journal, Amoroleck told him of villages along the rivers and called them Tauxuntania, Hassininga, Stegora and Shakahonea.

Archeological studies, sightings of ancient fish traps and the finding of thousands of artifacts have confirmed the existence and approximate locations of these villages. Three of the four were established along the banks of the Rappahannock, the fourth on the Rapidan and all inhabited by the Manahoacs, a subset of the Monacan Nation.

Smith named three other tribes living in the region, the Tegnunateas, Whonkentas and Ontponeas (Saponi). Though less is known about their history, it is believed that Mount Pony takes its name from the Ontponeas.

Prior to the European settling of this area more than 15,000 Native Americans lived on this land. These early residents were a peaceful and stable people as compared with the more nomadic tribes of the west who moved with the buffalo or other substantial sources of food. The "Culpeper" Indians were farmers and hunters of local game.

Settlement along the rivers was practical in nature and the next genre of residents —the Europeans- would follow in their footsteps for similar reasons.  The rivers supplied water for drinking, fishing, washing, the irrigation of crops, transportation and recreation. Close proximity was useful, though discovery of Indian artifacts and indications of other villages have been found along smaller streams within the county.

Culpeper was then as it is now a crossroad and subsequent hub of commerce and trade. The Indians of the west would converge upon the lands of "Culpeper" to trade with the Indians of the Tidewater region.

John Lederer, the first European to set foot on "Culpeper" soil, disembarked the Rappahannock river at Richard's Ford in 1670. According to his accounts, there were only a few 100 Indians remaining in the area. There is an ongoing study of the accuracy of these opinions based on his actual route and the amount of time spent in the area.

Regardless of exactly when, the numbers would decline dramatically and by the time Spotswood established the Germanna Colony in the early 1700s, the presence of Native Americans was negligible.

What happened- European disease, warring Iroquois from west of the Blue Ridge and infiltration of European settlers would push the Manahoacs and Saponi out of the "Culpeper" area.
But they left an indelible stamp primarily in the roads we travel today that began as the most practical route for travel.

Every year as gardeners and farmers alike cultivate the soil, Indian artifacts are discovered. The wealth of projectiles and tools give proof to a vibrant and productive life and adds to the depth and scope of Culpeper's grand heritage.
Until next week.