The Upper Mattaponi Indian Tribe, a vibrant and historically significant community, traces its origins back to the powerful Powhatan Chiefdom. In the late 16th century, Chief Powhatan inherited six tribes, including the ancestors of the modern-day Mattaponi. Like other members of this expansive chiefdom, they spoke an Algonquian language, a linguistic thread that connected them to a vast network of related peoples across the Eastern Woodlands. By the time English colonists established Jamestown in 1607, the Powhatan Chiefdom had grown to encompass more than 30 tribes, a testament to Powhatan’s strategic leadership and influence.
The history of the Upper Mattaponi Indian Tribe is intertwined with the broader narrative of the Mattaponi people. A distinct band of Mattaponi had long established a settlement outside the main reservation, nestled in an unincorporated area known as Adamstown, situated along the upper reaches of the Mattaponi River. Historical records dating back to the 17th century consistently identified this area as Indian land, highlighting its enduring connection to the indigenous inhabitants. This separation eventually led to the formal organization of the Upper Mattaponi Tribe in 1921, solidifying their identity as an official group distinct from the Mattaponi residing on the reservation.
A Closer Look at the Upper Mattaponi Today
The Upper Mattaponi Indian Tribe maintains a strong presence in King William, Virginia. Their contact information is as follows:
- Address: King William, VA
- Phone: (804) 360-7410
- Official Website: http://www.uppermattaponi.org
The tribe achieved state recognition on March 25, 1983, a significant milestone that acknowledged their sovereignty and cultural heritage within the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Nomenclature and Identity
While "Upper Mattaponi Indian Tribe" is the officially recognized name, the community is also known as the Adamstown Band, a name reflecting their historical settlement along the upper Mattaponi River. The term "Upper Mattaponi" effectively distinguishes them from the Mattaponi Tribe residing on the reservation.
Geographic and Cultural Context
The Upper Mattaponi Indian Tribe is situated within the Eastern Woodland cultural area, a region characterized by its rich forests, abundant waterways, and diverse indigenous cultures. Within Virginia, their traditional territory lies along the upper reaches of the Mattaponi River.
Historical accounts further illuminate the tribe’s connection to this land. In 1608, Captain John Smith, a prominent figure in the early Jamestown settlement, identified the village of Passaunkack at the precise location of the present-day Upper Mattaponi community. The August Hermann Map of 1676 vividly depicts several Indian houses lining the Upper Mattaponi River, explicitly designating the region as Indian land. Even in the oldest surviving King William County records, dating back to 1885, non-reservation Indians with the surname Adams are documented as living in the settlement known as Adamstown.
Historical Alliances and Conflicts
The Upper Mattaponi shared a historical affiliation with the Powhatan Confederacy, a powerful alliance of Algonquian-speaking tribes in the Tidewater region of Virginia.
The tribe’s history is marked by both alliances and conflicts with the English colonists. In 1656-1657, the King and chiefs of the Mattaponi Tribe entered into peace treaties with the Court of Rappahannock County and the justices of Old Rappahannock County. These treaties stipulated that tribal members were to be treated equally with Englishmen in matters of court and civil rights.
However, this period of relative peace was shattered during Bacon’s Rebellion in 1676. The Mattaponi, along with several other innocent tribes, became targets of colonial militia led by Nathaniel Bacon. Fueled by tensions and raids from other Virginia tribes, Bacon and his followers used the Mattaponi as scapegoats for their frustrations.
The Treaty of Middle Plantation, signed on May 29, 1677, marked a turning point in the relationship between the Virginia tribes and the English. Cockacoeske, the weroansqua (female chief) of the Pamunkey, signed the treaty on behalf of several tribes, including the Mattaponi. Known as the "Queen of the Pamunkey" by the English, Cockacoeske had succeeded her husband, Totopotomoi, after his death in 1656 while fighting alongside the English. The treaty ushered in a period of peace, but also solidified English dominance over the tribes.
The treaty of 1677 included more tribal leaders than a similar agreement nearly 30 years prior. It reconfirmed the annual tribute payments and added the Siouan and Iroquoian tribes as Tributary Indians of the colonial government. While the government established more reservation lands for the tribes, they were required to acknowledge themselves and their peoples as subjects of the King of England.
Enduring Traditions and Customs
Despite the challenges of colonization and cultural assimilation, the Upper Mattaponi Indian Tribe has preserved many of its traditions. One such tradition is the annual tribute payment to the Governor of Virginia. Every November, on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, tribal representatives travel to the Governor’s mansion in Richmond to present pottery and a deer or turkey, followed by a private audience with the governor. This tradition serves as a reminder of the historical treaties and the ongoing relationship between the tribe and the state government.
Land and Community
The Upper Mattaponi Tribe’s history is intimately connected to the land along the upper reaches of the Mattaponi River. Unlike the Mattaponi Tribe who reside on a reservation, the Upper Mattaponi were a band settled on this land, organized around the Adams family. James Adams, who served as an interpreter between the Mattaponi and the English from 1702 to 1727, is believed to be their founder. In the 19th century, the settlement was officially recorded as Adamstown.
In 1921, the community formally organized as the Upper Mattaponi Tribe, achieving state recognition. In 1942, they built the Indian River View Church, which became the heart of their Baptist community. Adjacent to the church stands the Sharon Indian School. The original one-room schoolhouse was constructed in 1917. Before that, Mattaponi children were educated alongside the Pamunkey, with whom they were historically linked by colonial and state governments. The school was replaced with an eight-room structure in 1952, but it closed in the 1960s with the end of official state segregation. In 1987, the state returned the school to the tribe’s jurisdiction, and it now serves as a community center.
The tribe currently controls approximately 32 acres of land, which includes the tribal headquarters.
Demographics and Governance
The Upper Mattaponi Indian Tribe has a registered population of 575 tribal members. The tribe maintains its own governmental structure, though specific details regarding its charter, governing body, council members, constitutional amendments, and executive officers are not readily available in the provided source material.
Origins and Cultural Affiliations
Archaeological evidence suggests that indigenous peoples have inhabited the area now known as Virginia for at least 15,000 years. The historic tribes are believed to have formed in the 14th and 15th centuries. The Upper Mattaponi share a close kinship with the Mattaponi Tribe and have historically maintained alliances with other Powhatan tribes, including the Pamunkey and Chickahominy.
Modern Life and Cultural Preservation
Today, the Upper Mattaponi Indian Tribe actively works to preserve its cultural heritage and traditions. They participate in modern-day events and welcome tourism, providing opportunities for others to learn about their history and culture. While specific details about their ceremonies, dances, legends, oral stories, art, crafts, clothing, housing, subsistence practices, economy, religion, burial customs, and wedding customs are not detailed in the provided text, it is evident that the tribe is committed to maintaining its unique identity.
The Upper Mattaponi Indian Tribe stands as a testament to the resilience and cultural continuity of Virginia’s indigenous peoples. Despite facing historical challenges and societal changes, they have persevered, maintaining their identity, traditions, and connection to the land.