Famous Rappahannock

Famous Rappahannock Chiefs and Leaders

The Rappahannock are one of the ten state-recognized Native American tribes in Virginia. They are made up of descendants of several small Algonquian-speaking tribes who merged in the 17th century. Here are some famous Rappahannock chiefs and leaders.

Mildred Loving – In 1967, Mildred Loving and her husband Richard successfully defeated Virginia’s ban on interracial marriage via a famed Supreme Court ruling that had nationwide implications.

G. Anne Richardson – First female chief of any tribe in Virginia since Cockcoeske became ruler of the Powhatan Confederacy in the mid-1600’s.

Chief Captain Chawanta Nelson – Chief for 34 years. Father of G. Anne Richardson.