Monacan
(possibly from an Algonquian word signifying a digging stick or spade). A
tribe and confederacy of Virginia in the 17th century. The confederacy
occupied the upper waters of James river above the falls at Richmond.
Their chief village was Rasawek. They were allies of the Manahoac and
enemies of the Powhatan, and
spoke a language different from that of either. They were finally
incorporated with other remnants under the names of
Saponi and
Tutelo (q. v.). The confederacy was composed of the Monacan proper,
Massinacac, Mohemencho, Monahassano, Monasiccapano, and some other tribes.
The Monacan proper had a chief settlement, known to the
whites as Monacantown, on James river about 20 miles above the falls at
Richmond. In 1669 they still haul 30 bowman, or perhaps about 100 souls.
Thirty years later, the Indian population having died out or emigrated, a
Huguenot colony took possession of the site.
Consult, Mooney, Siouan Tribes of the
East, Bull. B. A. E., 1894.
Source: Handbook of American Indians North of Mexico, Frederick Webb Hodge, 1906
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