Stranica 237 [237]
OCR
TOINI OF PORK SIOINI OF FORK derives its name from its situation at the forks of James River. One branch of this d| is here called the Rivanna (River Anna), and the | other, which is the main branch, now the James, was formerly the Fluvous Anna (Fluvanna), both named for Anna, Queen of James I. This was once a noted Indian stronghold, the capital of the Monacan nation, which was known by the tribe as Rausawek. The supremacy of these Indians at one time extended over the Alleghanies to the Falls of the James at Richmond and numbered many thousands. ‘They carried their wars even into Canada. At Point of Fork, near the entrance into the garden, is the spot where one of their chieftains, famous for his warlike exploits and successful raids against the Iroquois, lies buried. The spot was also on John Smith’s map, and was reported by him as the principal settlement of the Monacans in his time. They had then been greatly reduced by disastrous wars in the North. Point of Fork was regarded as a strategic point by the Colonial Virginians in Revolutionary days, and was an important barracks and arsenal where military stores were kept. Here, General (Baron) Von Steuben trained the Revolutionary troops, and the Battle of Point of Fork was fought with Simcoe and Tarleton, the latter having his headquarters here. During the War Between © the States, Generals Sheridan and Custer made the present restdence their headquarters. The eminence, upon which the house is located, faces the convex of the bend in the river, and commands a beautiful view of the James for several miles. The dwelling was erected about one hundred years ago by William Galt, a rich Scotch merchant, who resided in Richmond. At that time, the estate contained five thouL142]
