Treaty of 1677 facts for kids

The Treaty of 1677 (also known as the Treaty Between Virginia And The Indians 1677 or Treaty of Middle Plantation) was an important agreement signed in Virginia on May 28, 1677. It was made between the English Crown (the government of England) and several Native American tribes in Virginia. This treaty happened after a conflict called Bacon's Rebellion had ended.

Title page of the Treaty of 1677.

The tribes who signed the treaty included the Nottoway, the Appomattoc, the Wayonaoake, the Nansemond, the Nanzatico, the Monacan, the Saponi, and the Meherrin.

What the Treaty Meant for Tribes

The Treaty of 1677 gave special status to the Native American tribes who signed it. They were called "tributary tribes." This meant they agreed to be loyal to the English Crown. In return, they received important rights and protections.

Key Rights for Tributary Tribes

• They were guaranteed control over their traditional homelands. This meant they could keep living on their ancestral lands.
• They kept their rights to hunt and fish in their usual areas.
• They had the right to keep and bear arms, meaning they could keep weapons for hunting and protection.
• They had other rights as long as they remained loyal to the English government.

Confirming the Agreement

The treaty had twenty-one different rules or articles. To show that the agreement was official, the English sent gifts to the tribal chiefs. They also gave them special badges to show their authority. For example, the Queen of Pamunkey, known as Cockacoeske, received a red velvet cap. It had a silver decoration and silver chains.

Who Signed the Treaty?

Many important Native American leaders signed the Treaty of 1677. Their signatures made the agreement official and binding.

Important Native American Leaders

• Queen Pamunkey and her son, Captain John West
• The King of the Notowayes
• King Peracuta of the Appomattux
• The Queen of Wayonaoake
• The King of the Nanzem'd
• King Pattanochus of the Nansatiocoes, Nanzemunds, and the Portabacchoes
• King Shurenough of the Manakins
• King Mastegonoe of the Sappones
• Chief Tachapoake of the Sappones
• Chief Vnuntsquero of the Maherians
• Chief Horehonnah of the Maherians
• Chief Suubaah of the Driplandyins

Some of these leaders, like King Peracuta and King Pattanochus, were added to the treaty later. This happened between April and June of 1680.

See also

• List of treaties