Chesapeake people facts for kids
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| Extinct as a tribe | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Virginia, South Hampton Roads | |
| Languages | |
| Algonquian | |
| Religion | |
| Native | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Nansemond |
The Chesepian (also called Chesapeake) were a group of Native American people. They lived in the area we now call South Hampton Roads in Virginia. This region includes modern-day cities like Norfolk, Portsmouth, Chesapeake, and Virginia Beach. The Nansemond tribe lived to their west.
The Chesepian Tribe
The Chesepian people were part of the larger Algonquian language family. This means they spoke a language similar to other tribes in the area. Even though they spoke Algonquian, some clues from archaeological finds suggest they might have originally been related to the Carolina Algonquian group.
Their Main Village
The Chesepian tribe had a main village named Skicoke. It was located in what is now the city of Norfolk. We don't know the exact spot of Skicoke. Some think it was near where the Eastern and Southern Branches of the Elizabeth River meet. Others believe it was in the Pine Beach area of Sewell's Point. A large Native American burial mound was found there.
Other Villages
The Chesepian also had two other villages, Apasus and Chesepioc. Both were close to the Chesapeake Bay in what is now Virginia Beach. We know that Chesepioc was located in the Great Neck area. People have found many old Native American items there. These include arrowheads, stone axes, pottery, and beads. Some ancient burial sites of the local people have also been found in this area.
What Happened to Them?
The Chesepian tribe disappeared sometime before the English settlers arrived in Jamestown in 1607. According to a writer named William Strachey, the powerful Powhatan tribe was responsible. The Powhatan were a large group of tribes led by a chief named Powhatan. They lived nearby on the Virginia Peninsula.
Strachey wrote that Powhatan's priests had warned him. They said that "from the Chesapeake Bay a nation should arise, which should dissolve and give end to his empire." Because of this warning, the Powhatan tribe attacked and defeated the Chesepian people. This happened before the English came to the area.
See also
In Spanish: Chesapeake (tribu) para niños
