Suffolk, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Dumpling Island

By Laura Troy, September 23, 2007

1. Dumpling Island Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

The ceremonial heart of the Nansemond Indian district stood a mile east on Dumpling Island in the Nansemond River. In 1608, Capt. John Smith led colonists upriver to obtain corn from the Nansemonds, who attacked but were defeated and forced to feed them. The next summer, anticipating what was later called the “starving time” Smith transferred Capt. John Martin and 60 of the Jamestown colonists to the Island. After his advance party disappeared, Martin attacked the Nansemonds, looted and burned their houses and temples, despoiled their dead, and seized their corn. The Indians soon counterattacked, driving the colonists back to Jamestown.

Erected 1998 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number K-249.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Native Americans • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1608.

Location. 36° 49.165′ N, 76° 34.727′ W. Marker is in Suffolk, Virginia. Marker is on Goodwin Boulevard (Route 10) 0.4 miles north of Harrell Drive, on the right when traveling

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north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Suffolk VA 23434, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Nansemond Indian Villages (approx. 2.3 miles away); St. John's Church (approx. 2.8 miles away); James Bowser Plantation (approx. 3 miles away); Revolutionary Camp (approx. 3.6 miles away); Civil War Cavalry Skirmish (approx. 3.9 miles away); Siege of Suffolk (approx. 4.2 miles away); James Bowser, Revolutionary Soldier (approx. 4.2 miles away); Sleepy Hole Ferry (approx. 4.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Suffolk.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 21, 2020. It was originally submitted on September 23, 2007, by Laura Troy of Burke, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,425 times since then and 30 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on September 23, 2007, by Laura Troy of Burke, Virginia. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.

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