Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Mechanicsville) was honored to participate in the recent dedication of the first of three historic highway markers to be placed in King William County. These markers will celebrate the rich Native American history of the county. Delegate Peace joined with tribal leaders and other state and local representatives for the ceremony last Wednesday, March 22.
This historic marker commemorates the headquarters of Opechancanough, who was a chief of the Pamunkey; he eventually became paramount chief of the Powhatan Indian Tribe. He defended Indian lands from encroachment by colonists by organizing two separate attacks, the latter of which was conducted when he was 100 years old. The marker stands along Rt. 360 two miles west of Central Garage.
Delegate Peace stated, “The rich history of our great state has been deeply influenced by our many Native American Tribes. These markers commemorate their legacy and serve to remind us all of how far we have come as a nation and a Commonwealth.â€
Through collaboration of the Department of Historic Resources, the Virginia Historical Society, The Virginia Indian community and the Virginia Council on Indians, soon there will be ten new highway markers erected throughout the Commonwealth celebrating the legacy of Virginia’s Native American history in time for the Jamestown 2007 celebration.
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