Near Courtland in Southampton County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Virginia Native Tribes/First Americans
Photographed by Cynthia L. Clark, November 5, 2017
1. Virginia Native Tribes/First Americans Marker.
In 1600, there were approximately 40 tribes in Virginia. Today, the Commonwealth officially recognizes only eleven tribes.
When the Jamestown Settlers arrived in Virginia in 1607, they encountered several Virginia Tribes. The Chesapeake Tribe of Western Tidewater was the first to make contract with these explorers upon their stop at what is now referred to as First Landing (Cape Henry) in Virginia Beach, VA. It is noted that the Chesapeake Indian, (some scholars believe were Iroquoian), were annihilated by the Powhatan Empire because of a suspected trade agreement with explorers.
The Palisade fort, long/round houses and fire pits in this 17th Century area replica is a close facsimile of the Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) Indian Village described by William Byrd upon his visit to what is now Southampton County on April 7 & 8, 1728.
(left map legend, listed here alphabetically)
Cheroenhaka (Nottoway), Cherokee, Manahoac, Meherrin, Mohetan, Monacan, Nahyssam, Occaneechi, Saponi, Tauxenent, Tutelo
(right map legend, listed here alphabetically)
Accohannock, Accomac, Appamattuck, Arrohatock, Chesapeake, Chickahominy, Chiskiack, Cuttatawomen, Eastern Chickahominy, Kecoughtan, Mattaponi, Moraughtacund, Nansemond, Nantaughtacund, Onawmanient,
this page online
Erected by Cheroenaka (Nottoway) Indian Tribe.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Indigenous Peoples and Communities.
Location. 36° 41.178′ N, 77° 2.581′ W. Marker is near Courtland, Virginia, in Southampton County. It can be reached from Aquia Path half a mile west of Old Bridge Road (Virginia Route 742), on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 27345 Aquia Path, Courtland VA 23837, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Coastal Virginia and in the Hampton Roads Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, and in the Tidewater. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Slave Revolts (approx. 1.9 miles away); Slavery's Roots (approx. 1.9 miles away); Conditions of Slavery (approx. 1.9 miles away); Rebecca Vaughan House (approx. 1.9 miles away); The 1831 Insurrection (approx. 1.9 miles away); St. Luke's Church (approx. 2.2 miles away); Seven Gables (approx. 2.2 miles away); Southampton County (approx. 2.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Courtland.
Other markers no longer nearby. General Thomas' Birthplace (was approx.
Photographed by Cynthia L. Clark, November 5, 2017
2. The Virginia Native Tribes/First Americans marker.
Pictured in the background is a palisade fort. Inside its walls are the long/round houses (pictured left and center, respectively).
More about this marker. The marker stands outside the Native Palisade Fort in Palisade Village. It is reachable by two walking trails that support vehicle travel also. A wooded area separates the village from Cattashowrock Town. The area is opened to the public for special tours and events.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Read about archaeological finds related to the Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) and Cheseapake Indians.
Also see . . . Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) website. (Submitted on July 18, 2018, by Cynthia L. Clark of Suffolk, Virginia.)
Photographed by Cynthia L. Clark, November 5, 2017
3. The long house.
Photographed by Cynthia L. Clark, November 5, 2017
4. The round house.
Photographed by Cynthia L. Clark, November 5, 2017
5. Inter-tribal dancers at the November 2017 Powwow.
Note the red flag pole (foreground) and wooden pole carved with a head background.
Photographed by Cynthia L. Clark, November 5, 2017
6. The main entrance sign to Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) Indian Territory.
This sign stands at the intersection of Route 742 and Cattashowrock Trail. Mascots for nine clans are listed: Bear, Beaver, Deer, Eel, Hawk (Southampton County), Heron, Snipe, and Wolf.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 28, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 18, 2018, by Cynthia L. Clark of Suffolk, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,148 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on July 18, 2018, by Cynthia L. Clark of Suffolk, Virginia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
