Early Beginnings
Before it was occupied by Europeans, Powhatan County was home to the Monacan Indians. Monacan villages consisted of multiple round houses built in a circle with an interior courtyard, surrounded by a wooden fence made from sticks. They travelled seasonally, with (BLANK) noting their presence at Fort Christianna in (BLANK). Monacan land was first “discovered” by the English in 1708. The following year, a (board?) requested Christopher Newport return to the area to conduct a survey in greater detail. They were all but gone from present-day Powhatan by 1750 with few remnants remaining.
Huguenot Settlement
The first settlers in present-day Powhatan County were the Huguenots, a minority religious group fleeing persecution back in Europe. The idea for the Manakin Town settlement came from William Mayo II, who argued the land above the Falls was ripe for settlement. He believed the settlement would provide a buffer between the English and the Native Americans and hoped to develop the land he held there. The (who?), however, disagreed. The Huguenot settlement was planned for Norfolk. The first settlers arrived in 1700/1701 and upon arrival, were instead told to proceed to William Mayo’s land in present-day Powhatan. The first years at Manakin Town were difficult and many abandoned the settlement to go further West. The Huguenots gradually integrated into English/Virginian culture. The Huguenot Society maintains the historic 1895 church and cemetery.
Civil War
First built in the late 18th century, the Courthouse Tavern’s current brick structure dates to 1822. Date unknown, most likely 1930s.
Founding of Powhatan
Powhatan County was formed in May 1977 by the Virginia General Assembly from the eastern-most portion of Cumberland County (1749-1777). Before this, Powhatan was part of Goochland County (1728-1749) and Henrico Shire (1634-1728) before that.
The present courthouse is Powhatan’s second, built on the original foundation in 1849. When the present Powhatan County was formed from Cumberland in 1777, the first session of the court was held in the Old Cumberland Courthouse, the home of Littlebury Mosby (Mosby Tavern). The present courthouse community was selected for its central location and was named Scottville in honor of General Charles Scott, an important figure in the American Revolution, who was born in what is now Powhatan. Records suggest that the first courthouse was poorly constructed, unsuited to the needs of the court. It was replaced by the stuccoed brick building designed by noted architect Alexander Jackson Davis, and featured a recessed portico accented by Doric columns, a courtroom balcony, and enclosed balcony staircases, which can be seen today. This courthouse was renovated in 1992.
Revolutionary War
Powhatan was not the site of any major battles during the Revolutionary War but did supply troops and supplies to the militia.