Nanzatico facts for kids

The Nanzatico people were a group of Native Americans who lived in what is now King George County, Virginia. Their community included members from several other tribes, like the Portobagos, Patawomecks, Matchotics, and Rappahannock tribe. These tribes had been displaced, meaning moved from their homes, by English settlers.

The original Nanzatico people were first noted by explorer John Smith in 1608. He saw them living along the Rappahannock River and even marked a "king's house" on his map, showing where their leader lived. The name Nanzatico means "warrior chief."

Who Were the Nanzatico People?

The Nanzatico community was a mix of different Native American groups. They came together after English settlers started moving into their lands. This helped them stay strong and protect their way of life.

Where Did They Live?

The Nanzatico people lived on both sides of the Rappahannock River. This area is now known as Caroline and King George counties in Virginia. They had several towns, including Nanzemond, Warisquock, and Ausaticon. The Portobacco town was located south of the river, near where John Smith had marked the "king's house."

How Many Nanzatico People Were There?

We know about their numbers from old records. In 1669, a count showed that the Nanzatico had fifty "bowmen" (warriors). The Portobacco group had sixty. By 1697, the Nanzatico and Portobacco groups were counted together, with 40 bowmen. In 1702, their combined number of bowmen was 30.

What Treaties Did They Sign?

Native American leaders, called weroances, signed agreements with the English. In 1662, the weroance Attamahune signed a land sale deed. Later, in 1680, another weroance named Pattanochus signed an addition to the Treaty of Middle Plantation. This treaty was important for both the Nanzatico and Portobacco groups.

Challenges and Changes

Life became harder for the Nanzatico people as more English settlers arrived. The English colony sometimes ordered tribes to join together for protection.

Joining Forces with Other Tribes

In 1684, the Virginia Colony told the remaining 70 Rappahannock people to join the Portobacco tribe. This was meant to protect them from raids by the Seneca Iroquois, another Native American group. The Nanzatico and Portobacco groups were also allies with the Doeg tribe, who lived nearby.

Land Disputes and Conflict

By 1704, the Nanzatico people faced serious problems. English settlers were moving onto their remaining lands. The Nanzatico complained to the House of Burgesses, which was the government body of the Virginia Colony. However, their complaints were not addressed.

This led to a tragic event in August 1704. A group of Nanzatico men had a conflict with a settler named John Rowley and his family. As a result, the Richmond County militia captured 49 Nanzatico people. Five men were held responsible for the conflict. The other Nanzatico people, aged 12 and older, were sent far away from their homes. Children were made to work as servants for officials of the Virginia Colony.

What Happened to the Portobacco Tribe?

The Portobacco and Rappahannock tribes were not sent away at this time. In 1705, a writer named Robert Beverley noted that they were still living north of the river. He said they had five bowmen remaining.