In 1612 when John Smith drew his Map of Virginia, he recorded an Indian town at the fork of the Rivanna and James rivers, called Rassawek. Smith learned that Rassawek was the capital of the Monacan people: All Monacan towns sent their tribute to Rassawek and gathered there for major ceremonies.
That spot where the rivers meet, now known as Point of Forks, is one of the most concentrated archaeological districts in Virginia. The history of the Monacan people over 200 generations is written in this soil and landscape. Rassawek is a tangible connection to our ancestors, the vast majority of whom did not survive the arrival of the English and many of whom we believe are buried there.
Despite repeated warnings of the importance of Rassawek by historians, tribal leaders, and concerned citizens, the James River Water Authority and Fluvanna and Louisa counties plan to destroy our pre-Colonial capital and burial grounds to build a water pumping facility.
Read the entire article at Daily Progress.