Leesylvania in Prince William County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Early People of Neabsco

Photographed by Kevin W., January 2, 2025

1. Early People of Neabsco Marker

Inscription. The waters of Neabsco Creek and Potomac Rivers have been home to people for over a thousand years. Some of the first to settle here were the Doeg tribe of the Algonquian Indians. The Doegs inhabited the area across the river and the modern counties of Prince William and Fairfax in Virginia, speaking variations of the Piscataway and Nanticoke languages. One of the villages, Niopsco, was located near here. They were mostly hunter and gatherers, using the waters for fishing and trapping, and also grew corn as a primary crop. In addition as a resource for food, the water network was also for transportation and industry.

In 1608, the first reported English explorers arrived in the area led by John Smith. Smith wrote that the natives here had their capital called Tauxenent on "Dogg's Island", modern day Mason Neck. As more English settlers came to this part of Virginia, the Doeg and English began to clash over rightful claims to the land. This came to a head in 1666 when the Virginia colony engaged in a full-fledged war against the Doeg. By 1670, most of the Doeg were driven from northern Virginia, across the Potomac River

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

to Maryland.

In 1664, this area became part of Stafford County as European settlers moved north from Tidewater Virginia, and Maryland settlers crossed to the west side of the Potomac. By the time Prince William County was established in 1731, most of the native peoples of this region were gone, many having moved west or sadly eradicated by war and European diseases.

Today their legacy is found in the names of several geographic features such as the Niopsco Creek (Neabsco Creek), Patowmeck River (Potomac River) and the Occoquan River.

Erected by Prince William Parks, Recreation & Tourism.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1608.

Location. 38° 36.695′ N, 77° 16.571′ W. Marker is in Leesylvania, Virginia, in Prince William County. It can be reached from Blackburn Road, on the right when traveling east. The Marker can be accessed from the boardwalk. Parking is at the street address provided. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 15594 Blackburn Rd, Woodbridge

Ecology of Neabsco Creek Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kevin W., January 2, 2025

2. Ecology of Neabsco Creek Marker

VA 22191, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area,

in Northern Virginia,

and in the Piedmont.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in the Mid-Atlantic,

and on the Eastern Seaboard. 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 walking distance of this marker: Ecology of Neabsco Creek (here, next to this marker); Transportation and Industry on Neabsco Creek (a few steps from this marker); Collo. Richard Blackburn (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Stones, but No Bones (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Burying Ground (approx. 0.2 miles away); Neabsco Creek (approx. 0.2 miles away); Rippon Lodge (approx. ¼ mile away); a different marker also named Latrobe's View (approx. ¼ mile away).

View of Neabsco Creek and Boardwalk from the observation deck above the marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kevin W., January 2, 2025

3. View of Neabsco Creek and Boardwalk from the observation deck above the marker

Touch for a list and map of all markers in Leesylvania.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Latrobe's View (was approx. ¼ mile away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Credits. This page was last revised on September 1, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 11, 2026, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 16 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 11, 2026, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. 3. submitted on August 12, 2026, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.