Olde Wythe's History Begins
Long before citizens of Hampton ever called Olde Wythe home, this area was used by the Kecoughtan Indians for hunting, fishing, and growing crops. The Kecoughtans were part of a loose confederation of the Algonquin whose chieftain was Powhatan. The Algonquin first lived on the Virginia peninsula over two thousand years ago.
When the English laid anchor in Hampton Roads near the village of Kicotan in 1607, it was the peaceful Kecoughtan tribe who welcomed them before the settlers sailed on to Jamestown. Their village was located nearby. In 1608 Captain John Smith, the leader of the new colony, spent time with the Kecoughtan while exploring the Chesapeake Bay and mapping the waterways and forests of the area. Captain Smith observed and studied the Indian way of life in an effort to determine why they survived while the Englishmen died. Because of the friendly relationship that Captain Smith developed with the Kecoughtans, they traded meat and corn for English goods of beads, copper and weapons. However, the congenial relationship ended July 9, 1610 when the Kecoughtans were driven from the area by forces led by Sir Thomas Gates and the tribal lands became occupied by the English.
In 1940 Joseph B. and Alvin W. Brittingham, Sr. began an archeological project in the vicinity of the marshy area known as Church Creek behind present-day LaSalle Avenue. This site was chosen based on the excavators' knowledge of local stories, handed down from generation to generation, about an Indian trading post in the area. Many colonial and Indian relics were found on the surface due to repeated plowing from early farms that were located along Church Creek. The dig uncovered numerous artifacts which belonged to both the Indians and colonists including brass candelabras, a sword guard, farm implements, jugs, and pottery of all sizes. Also found was a large fireplace and indications of several buildings. Of special interest were numerous shallow holes known as middons which were used by both the Indians and settlers to bury waste materials and refuse. The contents of these holes yielded artifacts of the earliest colonial period. These findings led the two men to conclude that this area had been the site of a heavily populated settlement which may well have predated a 1610 trading post at Old Point Comfort. Due to insufficient public interest and the outbreak of World War II, the excavation was halted and a housing project for the military was constructed on the site.
Other Indian artifacts were found on local land owner and businessman Captain John C. Robinson's property, located between what is today Chesterfield Road and Claremont Avenue . Captain Robinson found evidence of the Kecoughtans presence with his discovery of over 150 arrowheads and spear heads along with a hoe, mortars and pestles, an intact clay bowl, and many Indian utensils. He surmised that part of his land was used as a small hunting village or camp.
Bringing History to LifeFor more neighborhood information visit: www.oldewythe.com
For more visitor information visit: www.VisitHampton.com
In partnership with Virginia Civil War Trails, www.civilwartrails.org
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