Pocahontas Island Historic District | Petersburg

The Pocahontas Island Historic District, located in Petersburg, Virginia, is one of the nation’s oldest and most historically significant African American communities. It holds a unique place in American history as a long-standing neighborhood primarily established by free Black residents and Native Americans, especially members of the Pamunkey tribe. The district’s origins trace back to the mid-18th century, and it has witnessed profound cultural, social, and military developments over more than two centuries.

Historical Origins and Development

Pocahontas Island began as an area where enslaved Africans were brought in the early 1700s to work in tobacco warehouses that supported Petersburg’s booming tobacco trade. By 1750, this land was subdivided and initially known as Wittontown before being renamed Pocahontas Island in 1752, in honor of the Native American figure Pocahontas, reflecting the area’s Native American heritage. The island was officially incorporated into the city of Petersburg in 1784.

The early community was distinctive for its significant population of free African Americans and Native Americans living side by side, which was rare during the era of widespread slavery. Over time, this community evolved into a close-knit, self-sufficient neighborhood with a rich cultural and economic life.

Architectural and Cultural Significance

Pocahontas Island is characterized by a diverse collection of historic buildings, including modest wood-frame houses, brick structures, and churches. One of the most notable surviving buildings is the Jarratt House, constructed circa 1820. It stands as the only remaining antebellum brick house on the island and symbolizes the stability and presence of the Black community in Petersburg during the 19th century.

Many homes in the district are believed to have served as stops on the Underground Railroad, providing shelter and aid to enslaved people escaping bondage. This aspect underscores the island’s role as a beacon of hope and resistance.

Churches and community institutions were central to the island’s cultural life, serving not only religious needs but also acting as gathering places for education, social events, and civil rights activism.

Role During the Civil War

During the Civil War, Pocahontas Island held strategic and military importance. The Richmond and Petersburg Railroad ran through the area, and the island hosted a railroad depot serving as a vital transportation hub for Confederate forces. Additionally, Confederate fortifications were established on or near the island, making it a focal point of military activity.

The war brought upheaval and danger but also opportunities for African Americans on the island, some of whom escaped slavery by crossing Union lines. The neighborhood’s connection to the conflict contributes to its layered historical narrative.

Challenges and Preservation

Throughout its history, Pocahontas Island has faced numerous challenges. In 1993, a powerful tornado struck the area, damaging many historic buildings and threatening the integrity of the community’s architectural heritage.

Despite these difficulties, residents and preservationists have worked diligently to protect and restore the neighborhood’s historic character. Efforts include securing listings on the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmarks Register, which have helped raise awareness and access funding for preservation.

Pocahontas Island Black History Museum

Established in 2003 by historian Richard Stewart, the Pocahontas Island Black History Museum serves as the cultural and educational heart of the district. Located at 224 Witten Street, the museum houses a rich collection of artifacts that span over 200 years of African American history in the area. Exhibits include slave shackles, historic photographs, documents, and newspapers covering the civil rights movement.

The museum offers tours and educational programs that highlight the island’s history of resilience, resistance, and community-building, making it an essential resource for visitors and scholars alike.

Contemporary Community

Today, Pocahontas Island remains a residential neighborhood with many descendants of the original free Black and Native American families still living there. While some historic homes are private residences not open to the public, the neighborhood’s streets and landmarks can be viewed by visitors.

The island’s ongoing preservation efforts reflect a strong community commitment to honoring its heritage while fostering growth and revitalization.

Location and Access

Pocahontas Island is geographically situated on the north side of the Appomattox River, bounded roughly by Pocahontas, Witten, Rolfe, Logan, and Sapony Streets. Its proximity to downtown Petersburg makes it accessible for visitors interested in exploring one of Virginia’s most important African American historic districts.

Summary

The Pocahontas Island Historic District is a powerful symbol of African American and Native American endurance and contribution throughout American history. From its origins as a haven for free Black residents and Native Americans, through its vital role during the Civil War, to its status today as a preserved historic neighborhood, the district embodies a rich cultural legacy. Its historic buildings, community institutions, and the Black History Museum collectively offer a deep and nuanced understanding of this remarkable neighborhood’s place in the story of Petersburg and the nation.