The woods in the Powhatan Wildlife Management Area are probably just the same as they were more than 10,000 years ago. Back then, the area that makes up the 4,462-acre hunting and fishing preserve was used by the Monacan Indians.
While Powhatan is the only Virginia county named after an Indian chief, the Monacans were actually hostile to Wahunsenacawh – known as Chief Powhatan. He created a confederation of tribes located largely in the Tidewater region. While the Powhatans had a reputation of attempting to cooperate with the European settlers, the Monacans tended to ignore and occasionally clash with them. Between disease and warfare, the area Monacans were pretty much wiped out by the early 1700s.
My run brought me through a mix of farmland, dirt roads and muddy trails. I saw a couple of hunters leaving as I was getting to start my run, but other than that I was alone. I didn’t see any wildlife on the chilly February morning except for the occasional squirrel.
After my run, I headed to Powhatan Courthouse. In addition to the courthouse, the small town has other county facilities and a few restaurants. On the outskirts, there is a suburban housing development. The county is about 20 minutes west of Richmond.
For my final stop in the county, I visited Chadwick Orchids, a great place to take pictures and buy a Valentine’s Day present.
39 runs down, 95 to go.
View Powhatan WMA in a larger map
