Near Freeman in Greensville County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Meherrin Indians

Photographed By Mike Stroud, October 20, 2012

1. Meherrin Indians Marker

Inscription. The Meherrin Indians lived in the coastal plain of Virginia and North Carolina along the Meherrin River. They farmed and hunted and spoke a language, Meherrin, that belonged to the Iroquoian language family. The Meherrin remained relatively undisturbed by the English settlements, until about 1650 when trading in furs increased their contact with settlers. By 1680 the Meherrin had become official tribute-paying subjects of the Virginia colony that temporarily gave them a protected land base around their villages. By the early 18th century members of the Meherrin had migrated along the Meherrin River to near the fork where it joins the Chowan River in North Carolina.

Erected 2001 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number S-72.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Native Americans • 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 1650.

Location. 36° 45.441′ N, 77° 39.385′ W. Marker is near Freeman, Virginia, in Greensville County. Marker is at the intersection of Pleasant Shade Drive / Governor Harrison Parkway (U.S. 58) and 5 Forks Access Road, on

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the right when traveling west on Pleasant Shade Drive / Governor Harrison Parkway. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 23197 Governor Harrison Pkwy, Emporia VA 23847, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Brunswick County, Virginia (a few steps from this marker); Brunswick County / Greensville County (a few steps from this marker); Mabry's Chapel (approx. 0.2 miles away); Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative (approx. 5.1 miles away); Double Bridges (approx. 5.9 miles away); Smoky Ordinary (approx. 6.7 miles away); a different marker also named Smoky Ordinary (approx. 6.7 miles away); Greensville County Training School (approx. 7.8 miles away).

Also see . . . Meherrinnation.org. Meherrin people refer to ourselves as Kauwets'a:ka, meaning "People of the Water." We are an Iroquois nation- close relatives of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois Confederacy) with whom we share deep historical and cultural ties. Please explore our website and learn about our rich culture and unique history! (Submitted on October 29, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.)

Meherrin Indians Markerlooking westbound Pleasant Shade Drive / Governor Harrison Parkway (U.S. 58) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, October 20, 2012

2. Meherrin Indians Markerlooking westbound Pleasant Shade Drive / Governor Harrison Parkway (U.S. 58)

Meherrin Indians Marker at Pleasant Shade Drive / Governor Harrison Parkway and 5 Forks Access Road. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, October 20, 2012

3. Meherrin Indians Marker at Pleasant Shade Drive / Governor Harrison Parkway and 5 Forks Access Road.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 7, 2021. It was originally submitted on October 29, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,038 times since then and 64 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 29, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.