Virginia Indians

Rappahannock Indian Tribe

Chief G. Anne Richardson

The Rappahannocks first spoke to Captain John Smith in 1608 at their kingstowne, "Cat Point Creek," on the banks of the river bearing their name. They had thirteen villages on the south side of the river and two on the north side. By the late 1600s, the Rappahannocks were moved off the river and consolidated onto one reserve.

Around 1705, the Rappahannocks were driven from their lands at the Portabago Indian town and relocated to a 3,474-acre reserve at Indian Neck in King and Queen County, VA, by order of the Colonial Council. The reserve was located on their traditional winter hunting grounds between the Mattaponi and Rappahannock rivers.

Descendants of the Rappahannocks have remained in the area until present day. They became the subject of scholarly research and field studies from the late 1800s to the 1950s by the Smithsonian Institution, which produced several books and articles. In an effort to formalize their tribal government, the Rappahannocks incorporated with the state of Virginia in 1921. They were officially recognized as one of the historic tribes of the Commonwealth of Virginia by an act of the General Assembly on March 25, 1983.

With the support of approximately 300 members, the Rappahannocks initiated plans to build a cultural center and museum. In 1995, they began construction of the cultural center project and completed two phases by 1997. Phase three, a planned museum, is in the planning stages and will be completed for the 2007 ceremonies commemorating the 400th anniversary of America.

In 1998, the Rappahannocks elected the first woman chief to lead in Virginia since the 1700s, Chief G. Anne Richardson. In the same year, they purchased 119.5 acres to establish a land trust, retreat center, and housing development. The housing project is underway and plans are being formulated for the retreat center.

The Rappahannocks host their traditional Harvest Festival and Powwow annually on the second Saturday in October at their Cultural Center in Indian Neck, Virginia. Their mission is to preserve Rappahannock culture, social structures, and political structures while educating the public on the rich contributions they have made and continue to make to Virginia and the nation.

Contact the Rappahannock Indian Tribe at:

Rappahannock Cultural Center
HCR 1 Box 402
Indian Neck, VA 23148
804-769-0260