Nanzatico (King George, Virginia)

Nanzatico was a significant Native American village located in what is now King George County, Virginia, along the Rappahannock River. It served as the primary settlement and likely the capital of the Tauxemont (also spelled Tauxenent) tribe, a group affiliated with the larger Powhatan Confederacy. Historical records from the early 17th century, particularly those of Captain John Smith, document Nanzatico as a thriving community with a palisaded village and a considerable population.

The Tauxemont, under the leadership of their werowance (chief), controlled a strategic area along the Rappahannock, facilitating trade and communication within the Powhatan chiefdom. Nanzatico's location made it important for both agricultural production and defense.

The relationship between the Tauxemont and the English colonists was complex and often fraught with tension. While initial interactions involved trade and occasional assistance, escalating land disputes and resource competition led to conflicts, including participation in the Anglo-Powhatan Wars. The village of Nanzatico was likely impacted by these wars and the subsequent decline of the Powhatan Confederacy.

Today, the exact location of the primary settlement of Nanzatico is subject to archaeological investigation and historical debate. The legacy of Nanzatico and the Tauxemont tribe persists in the place names and historical accounts of King George County, Virginia, serving as a reminder of the region's rich Native American heritage.