Richmond, Virginia is located on the "fall line" of the James River. In other words, it is where the higher elevation "Piedmont" region drops in elevation to become the "Coastal Plain." Prior to English colonization, the coastal area to the East of this line was known as Tsenacomoco, or "densly populated place" in the Virginia Algonquian language.
Numerous Algonquian-speaking Tribes lived here and were the first groups to interact with early English settlers of the Jamestown colony. To the West of the fall line were groups of Indigenous peoples who spoke Siouan languages. They traded with the Tidewater Algonquian groups using the James River as a "highway" for travel by dugout canoe.
Henricus, located near where Richmond stands today, was an early English town constructed three years after the establishment of Jamestown. It was here that the Virginia Company of London began to expand, eventually laying the groundwork for the displacement of Indigenous peoples and success of the new English colony.
In the centuries since, the James River has changed dramatically while maintaining its essential character. Serving as a shipping route for various industries, Richmond developed into a prosperous town. By visiting the sites below, peak into Richmond's early history and development over time.
Numerous Algonquian-speaking Tribes lived here and were the first groups to interact with early English settlers of the Jamestown colony. To the West of the fall line were groups of Indigenous peoples who spoke Siouan languages. They traded with the Tidewater Algonquian groups using the James River as a "highway" for travel by dugout canoe.
Henricus, located near where Richmond stands today, was an early English town constructed three years after the establishment of Jamestown. It was here that the Virginia Company of London began to expand, eventually laying the groundwork for the displacement of Indigenous peoples and success of the new English colony.
In the centuries since, the James River has changed dramatically while maintaining its essential character. Serving as a shipping route for various industries, Richmond developed into a prosperous town. By visiting the sites below, peak into Richmond's early history and development over time.
