

POINT OF FORK 



OINT OF FORK derives its name from its situation 

 at the forks of James River. One branch of this 

 is here called the Rivanna (River Anna), and the 

 other, which is the main branch, now the James, 

 was formerly the Fluvous Anna (Fluvanna), both 

 named for Anna, Queen of James I. 



This was once a noted Indian stronghold, the capital of the 

 Monacan nation, which was known by the tribe as Rausawek. 

 The supremacy of these Indians at one time extended over the 

 AUeghanies to the Falls of the James at Richmond and numbered 

 many thousands. They carried their wars even into Canada. At 

 Point of Fork, near the entrance into the garden, is the spot where 

 one of their chieftains, famous for his warlike exploits and success- 

 ful raids against the Iroquois, lies buried. 



The spot was also on John Smith's map, and was reported by 

 him as the principal settlement of the Monacans in his time. They 

 had then been greatly reduced by disastrous wars in the North. 



Point of Fork was regarded as a strategic point by the Colonial 

 Virginians in Revolutionary days, and was an important barracks 

 and arsenal where military stores were kept. Here, General 

 (Baron) Von Steuben trained the Revolutionary troops, and the 

 Battle of Point of Fork Avas fought with Simcoe and Tarleton, 

 the latter having his headquarters here. During the War Between 

 the States, Generals Sheridan and Custer made the present resi- 

 dence their headquarters. 



The eminence, upon which the house is located, faces the convex 

 of the bend in the river, and commands a beautiful view of the 

 James for several miles. The dwelling was erected about one 

 hundred years ago by William Gait, a rich Scotch merchant, who 

 resided in Richmond. At that time, the estate contained five thou- 



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