Near Franklin in Southampton County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

The Hand Site

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, October 27, 2012

1. The Hand Site Marker

Inscription. East of here near the Nottoway River stood a Late Woodland Indian settlement occupied intermittently circa A.D. 700 to 1650, and long claimed by the Cheroenhaka (Nottoway). Excavated in the 1960s, occupation phases included features such as a fortified town and burials. In an area flanked by Iroquoian Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) and Meherrin to the north- and southwest, and by Algonquian Weyanoke, Nansemond, and Chowanoke tribes to the northeast and south, the site shows influences from both linguistic groups which may indicate both trade and use by different groups at different times. Archaeologists also found 17th century European iron scissors and hand wrought nails.

Erected 2011 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number U-116.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Indigenous Peoples and Communities. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1650.

Location. 36° 38.643′ N, 77° 1.826′ W. Marker is near Franklin, Virginia, in Southampton County.

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It is at the intersection of General Thomas Highway (Virginia Route 671) and Handsom Road ( Route 734), on the right when traveling east on General Thomas Highway. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Franklin VA 23851, 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 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 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Virginia Native Tribes/First Americans (approx. 3 miles away); "Thomaston" (approx. 3½ miles away); a different marker also named Thomaston (approx. 3½ miles away); Marle Hill (approx. 4 miles away); Major Joseph E. Gillette (approx. 4.2 miles away); Slave Revolts

Gen Thomas Hwy & Handsom Rd image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, October 27, 2012

2. Gen Thomas Hwy & Handsom Rd

(approx. 4.9 miles away); Slavery's Roots (approx. 4.9 miles away); Conditions of Slavery (approx. 4.9 miles away).

Another marker is no longer nearby. General Thomas' Birthplace (was approx. 3.2 miles away but has been confirmed missing).

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 29, 2012, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,982 times since then and 159 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 29, 2012, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.