Browse Exhibits (16 total)

Samuel Lee Gravely Jr. was a highly decorated African American Naval officer from 1944–1980 who received the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Navy Commendation Medal. He was also the first African American to hold numerous high-ranking positions in the United States Navy. He was the first Black naval officer assigned to a combat ship, the first to command a navy ship, the first line captain, the first rear admiral, the first fleet commander, and the first to reach the rank of vice admiral. It was through his excellent seamanship and perseverance that he was able to mount the great racial obstacles in his way and reach these great heights within the navy, which made him a role model to other minority groups trying to achieve fairness in a racially unequal country.

Displaced from their reservation land on both sides of the Rappahannock River at Nanzattico and Portobago Bay, Nanzattico Indians attacked the farm of John Rowley, known for his disputes with the tribe, on 29 Aug. 1704. When captured in Richmond County, seven Nanzattico confessed to murder; five were executed after trial. The Virginia Council deemed forty Nanzattico age 12 or older guilty of complicity and ordered them deported, while keeping the younger children as servants. In 1705, sea captain John Martin transported the adult Nanzattico to the island of Antigua, where they were sold into servitude.

The Marker is located at 38° 10.579′ N, 77° 7.455′ W, near King George, Virginia, in King George County. Marker is on Nanzatico Lane (Virginia Route 698), 1½ miles south of Salem Church Road (Virginia Route 625),on the left when traveling south. 

Nanzatico Lane & Lands End Trail

Reference:

1) https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=76408