Warraskoyack Indians

The Warraskoyack Indians, members of the Powhatan paramount chiefdom, lived near the mouth of the Pagan River and along its tributaries. Their town of Mokete likely stood in the vicinity of present-day Rescue, while Mathomauk was probably situated along Burwell Bay. The principal settlement of Warraskoyack was located further inland, perhaps east of modern Smithfield. John Smith traded with the Warraskoyack as early as the fall of 1607, obtaining corn for the newly arrived English colonists. By 1610, however, hostilities had broken out. The English attacked the Warraskoyack, burned their homes, and destroyed their cornfields.