SOL Identification #: VS 2C Rappahannock River Description of SOL: Children must be able to locate and understand the importance of the

Rappahannock River to Virginia history. Becca Farrell- farre2ra@dukes.jmu.edu Virginia is abundant with natural resources that are an important aspect of Virginia today and Virginia history. The Rappahannock is one of the main rivers that runs through Virginia and has been beneficial to Virginia in many ways. The Virginia SOL 2c states that students must be able to locate and understand the importance of the Rappahannock River to Virginia history. The Rappahannock River runs 184 miles through the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and then ending at the Chesapeake Bay (Rappahannock River, 2013). Since the river spans such a large portion of Virginia, many towns and cities have developed on the river and use the river for resources. The Rappahannock River has geographical significance in Virginia and has shaped many historical events such as encounters with Native Americans and the Civil War. Native Americans thrived off the natural resources found in the rivers in Virginia. Native American tribes living in the Rappahannock region used the river for food and water. Many tribes lived along the river and this would be a gathering place for many tribes. John Smith said the area was beautiful and inviting (Quinn, S.J., 1908, p.19-21). The tribes that John Smith encountered on his journey discoverying the Rappahannock area were the Mannahoacs, the Rappahannock tribe, and the Moraughtacound tribe (Grymes, Charles, 2013). Fords were built on the river to make the river more accessible to the Native Americans. These fords

allowed for them to cross the river and trade their resources with other tribes (Dennen, R., 2011). Native Americans would take the natural wood from the surrounding forests and make canoes mostly for fishing but also for transportation down the river (The Use and Abuse of Forests by the Virginia Indians, 1910, p. 75). The river played an important role in bringing settlers and Indians together to a shared located, but also caused tensions between the two groups. Most importantly, the river provided resources that helped the survival of Native Americans and settlers during that time. During the Civil War the Rappahannock River played a part for both the Union and the Confederacy. Virginia was a major battle ground state and the Rappahannock was right in the middle of that. The river served as a boundary line between the north and south. Two major battles that occurred along the River were the Battle of Fredericksburg and the Battle of Rappahannock Station (Rappahannock River, 2013). Canals had to be built during the Civil War in order for supplies to be transferred to soldiers (Dennen, R., 2011). Since Virginia was such a battleground state during the war, the river area was put to good use during the Civil War time period. Fredericksburg is the major city that developed along the river. John Smith discovered Fredericksburg as he journeyed across Virginia. There are other smaller rural areas surrounding the river, but Fredericksburg was the largest city that developed along the river. A fort was built in Fredericksburg in late 1600s to protect the settlers from the Indians, since tensions existed between the two groups (Quinn, S.J., 1908, p.19-21). The major water source for this city is the Rappahannock River

so it is important for residents of the area to keep the local areas unpolluted so the water remains clean and utilizable (Rappahannock River, 2013). This waterway still plays and important role to Virginia today. This river provides many resources such as food and water to towns that are located around the river. The area surrounding the Rappahannock is mostly a rural area, but there has been an increase in population to this area in recent years (Rappahannock River, 2013). The river surrounds Fredericksburg and other areas including Culpepper, Stafford, and Spotsylvania so people residing in these areas use the river as a place for recreation as well as relaxation (Rappahannock River, 2013). The river can be used to inform residents of different habitats along with water ecology.

Part B

Works Cited

(1910) The use and abuse of forests by the Virginia Indians. The William and Mary Quarterly, 19(2), 73-105. - This article discusses the natural resources that the Native American used. It gives information on how they would use wood for building canoes for the waterways in Virginia. It talks about how Native Americans got their food and what they used forest wood for. Dennen, Rusty (02 November, 2011). Rappahannock river fords brought to life. The Free Lance Star. - This article discusses major fords and canals that were used during the history of the Rappahannock River during major historical events. It gives historical dates of events on the river and the main reasons why the fords were built. Grymes, Charles (2013). Early settlement up theRappahannock? Retrieved from http://www.virginiaplaces.org/settleland/settlerappa.html - This website provides current and historical maps of the Rappahannock River and the surrounding areas. The website details the journey of John Smith across Virginia and important aspects that rivers have on Virginia history. This website give information about the tensions between the Native Americans and John Smith and what tribes he encountered on his journey. Quinn, S. J (1908). The history of the city of Fredericksburg, VA. Hermitage Press. - This historical book gives an abundant amount of information on Fredericksburg, but also the historical significance of the Rappahannock. The Rappahannock was a major source for the Native Americans, and this book gives so much information about the Native Americans living along the Rappahannock and the tensions that existed between the groups. Rappahannock River (2013). Retrieved from http://www.fredericksburgva.gov/index.aspx?nid=210 - This government website gives detailed information about the historical significance that the Rappahannock River has on Virginia. A map is shown on this website providing information about surrounding areas and geographical image of the river and the impact it has on surrounding areas. This also gives information on how important the river is to the development of Fredericksburg.

Part C

Works Cited

Celebrate Native American heritage (03 November, 2011). Education World. Retrieved from http://www.educationworld.com/a_lesson/lesson209.shtml - This website gives many lesson on teaching about native Americans, especially their history, culture, and their contributions to society. This is important for students to learn, because the native Americans highly relied on the Rappahannock for their daily life and it became a big part of their culture and society. Rappahannock River Valley (2013). US Fish and Wildlife Service. Retrieved from http://www.fws.gov/refuge/rappahannock_river_valley/ - This website would be a great source for teachers discussing the Rappahannock in their class. The refuges website gives information about events such as days teaching environmental education for visitors, kids fishing days, deer hunts, garden activities, and more. Rusty, Dennen (19 July 2013). Educator teaches about bay. Free Lance Star. Retrieved from http://news.fredericksburg.com/newsdesk/2013/07/19/educatorteaches-teachers-about-bay/ - This article discusses a teacher and his way of teaching about the Chesapeake Bay, Rappahannock, and conservation issues. Many teachers set out on a seminar on the Chesapeake Bay Research boat, which started on the Rappahannock and then went into the Bay. This seminar taught them how to incorporate history, river ecology, and conservation rooms into the classroom. Water pollution (08 January 2013). Retrieved from http://kids.librarypoint.org/water_pollution - This website details ways in which teachers can talk about water pollution and ways students can minimize their direct impact on water pollution. This related to teaching about the Rappahannock because children need to learn that are natural resources need to be conserved in order for us to be able to have all the benefits that they provide. Williams, Lee-Ann (12 August, 2001). River lesson. Retrieved from http://fredericksburg.com/News/FLS/2001/082001/08122001/3596 57 - This is an article that describes how a group of teachers met at a workshop on the Rappahannock learning about the environment and watersheds. They were able to make their own simulations of watersheds, which helped the teachers learn how to incorporate these aspects into the classroom.