Tuckahoe and Cohee facts for kids

In the early days of Colonial Virginia, people used special names to describe different groups of settlers. Two of these interesting names were Cohee and Tuckahoe. These terms helped people tell apart the first English settlers from newer groups who arrived later, like those from Germany, Ireland, and Scotland. It was a way to show where people came from and where they lived in Virginia.

Who Were the Cohees and Tuckahoes?

The terms Cohee and Tuckahoe were used to describe people living in different parts of Virginia during the colonial period. These names helped people understand who was who, based on their background and where they settled. It was a simple way to categorize the diverse groups making their homes in the growing colony.

The Cohees: Settlers of the Shenandoah Valley

The Cohees were mainly settlers who came from Germany, Ireland, and Scotland (often called Scotch-Irish). They started arriving in Virginia in the 1700s, looking for new opportunities and land.

Where Did Cohees Settle?

Most Cohees moved to the western part of Virginia, especially the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. This area was different from the eastern coast. It had rolling hills, fertile land, and was considered the "frontier" at the time. Settling here meant building new lives in a less developed area.

Life for the Cohee Families

Life for the Cohees was often tough but rewarding. They were mostly farmers, growing crops and raising animals. They built their own homes, often log cabins, and created new communities. These settlers were known for being hardworking and independent. They helped each other survive and thrive in the new lands of the valley.

The Tuckahoes: Original English Settlers

The Tuckahoes were the descendants of the original English settlers who first came to Virginia in the 1600s. Their families had been in the colony for a long time, often for several generations.

Where Did Tuckahoes Live?

Tuckahoes typically lived in the eastern parts of Virginia, especially in the Tidewater region. This area was close to the Atlantic Ocean and had many rivers. It was where the first English settlements like Jamestown were founded. The land here was good for growing tobacco, which was a very important crop.

Life for the Tuckahoe Families

Life for the Tuckahoes was often centered around large farms called plantations. They grew tobacco and other crops, often using enslaved labor. Many Tuckahoes were wealthy and held important positions in the government and society. They built grand homes and established the first towns and cities in Virginia. Their way of life was more established and formal compared to the frontier life of the Cohees.

How Did They Get the Name Tuckahoe?

The name "Tuckahoe" might have come from a type of plant that grew in the eastern parts of Virginia. This plant, also called "tuckahoe," was a kind of edible root. So, the name might have been a way to describe people from the region where this plant was common.

Why Were These Names Used?

These names, Cohee and Tuckahoe, were used to highlight the differences between the groups of people living in Virginia. It wasn't just about where they lived, but also about their family history, their culture, and their way of life.

• Origin: Cohees were newer immigrants from different European countries, while Tuckahoes were from older English families.
• Location: Cohees lived in the western frontier (Shenandoah Valley), and Tuckahoes lived in the established eastern areas (Tidewater).
• Lifestyle: Cohees were often frontier farmers, while Tuckahoes were often plantation owners with a more established society.

These terms helped people understand the diverse mix of cultures and backgrounds that made up Colonial Virginia. They show how different groups of people settled and built lives in the same colony, each contributing to its unique history.