Did you know that there were Native Americans, or indians, who called Virginia home? These early Virginians or “First Americans” were part of a larger Native American group called the Eastern Woodland Indians.

The Eastern Woodland Indians’ homes and clothing came from from the natural resources around them. Their homes made of trees and other plant material. Animal skins were used for their clothing.

The Eastern Woodland Indians’  food depended on the seasons. During the winter, they hunted animals like deer, birds, and rabbits. During the spring, they picked berries and fished in streams. In the summer, they grew crops of corn, beans, and squash.

The early Virginians consisted of many different tribes who spoke different languages. There were three major Virginia Native American language groups. They were the Algonquian speakers, the Siouan speakers and the Iroquoian speakers.

The Algonquian speakers were located in our area. These speakers became known as the Powhatan tribe after a powerful chief named Powhatan. Do you know who the most famous Powhatan is? If you guessed Pocahontas, you are correct!