1624
John Smith- Youghtanund
Youghtanund Flu-
Smith Originally named the river for the Youghtanund Indians and the Peninsula for the Pamunkeys Indians. It was only after 1645 and when the Manskins and
Youtanunds had been destroyed that
they renamed the river after
the Pamunkeys because they still had survivors.
“Foureteene myles Northward from the river Powhatan, is the river Pamavnkee,
which is navigable 60 or 70 myles, but with Catches “and small Barkes 30 or 40 myles
farther. At the ordinary flowing of the salt water, it divideth it selfe
into two gallant
branches. On the South side inhabit the people of Youghtanund, who
haue about 60 men for warres. On the North branch Mattapament, who haue 30 men. Where this river is divided the Country is called Pamavnkee, and
nourisheth neare 300 able men.
About 25 myles lower on the North side of this river is Werawocomoco, where their great King inhabited when I was delivered him prisoner; yet there are not past 40
able men.”
John Smith, “Generall Historie of Virginia”
The Youghtanund are shown in his map being
upstream and on the south side
of the Pamunkey River.
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