The Monacan Indians have a rich and important history in Central Virginia that must be preserved. When I taught fourth grade at Stone-Robinson Elementary in Albemarle County, my students were interested to know about the Monacan people, and how they lived along the Rivanna River behind our school.
No one doubts that layers of history lie at this spot southeast of Charlottesville where the Rivanna River flows into the James. Abandoned canal locks loom like castle walls; Revolution-era buildings stand in ruins nearby.
The Monacan Indian Nation is calling on the Fluvanna and Louisa Boards of Supervisors to begin a third-party, independent investigation into claims of mismanagement of the archaeological survey at Point of Fork.
The fundamental question: Will Rassawek, considered the historic site of the Monacan headquarters, be preserved; or will it be used for a planned water intake and pump station that will help supply water from the James River to the Zion Crossroads development area of Louisa and Fluvanna counties?
Firing the latest salvo in the battle over Louisa County’s future public water supply, the Monacan Indian Nation asked the Louisa and Fluvanna county boards of supervisors to hire a third party to investigate the actions of the James River Water Authority.