SHINIQUE SMITH

The Nacotchtank

Also known as the Anacostans, the Nacotchtank tribe are the earliest known inhabitants of Capitol Hill were the Algonquian-speaking Nacotchtank. The name of the tribe, also the name of the principal village, is believed to mean “trading village.” The Indians were active in this area because of its proximity to the Eastern Branch, a key source of food, transportation, and communication. With increased land and water trade networks connecting groups of American Indians by 500 B.C., the Nacotchtank became associated with the Piscataway, whose chief presided over all the area tribes to the north of the Potomac River, and the Doeg, who were located on the Virginia bank of the Potomac River. Centuries later, in June 1608, Captain John Smith reported visiting a Nacotchtank village on the eastern bank of the river opposite the future site of Capitol Hill. Ultimately, as the colonists arrived, the Nacotchtank relocated, and are believed to have merged later with the Piscataway.