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

Dumpling Island

Photographed by Laura Troy, September 23, 2007

1. Dumpling Island Marker

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 and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1608.

Location. 36° 49.165′ N, 76° 34.727′ W. Marker is in Suffolk, Virginia. It is in Chuckatuck. It is on Goodwin Boulevard (Route 10) 0.4 miles north of Harrell Drive, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Suffolk VA 23434, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Virginia’s Hampton Roads,

specifically 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.

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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); Chuckatuck (approx. 2.9 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). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Suffolk.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Reid's Ferry (was approx. 1.2 miles away but has been permanently removed).

Dumpling Island Marker looking north along Godwin Blvd. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, July 16, 2024

2. Dumpling Island Marker looking north along Godwin Blvd.

A small driveway just north of the marker provides a spot to pull over for viewing.

Wide view of Dumpling Island Marker looking south along Godwin Blvd. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, July 16, 2024

3. Wide view of Dumpling Island Marker looking south along Godwin Blvd.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 17, 2024. It was originally submitted on September 23, 2007, by Laura Troy of Burke, Virginia. This page has been viewed 5,264 times since then and 142 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on September 23, 2007, by Laura Troy of Burke, Virginia. 2, 3. submitted on July 16, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.