The Upper Mattaponi Indian Tribe has been living in the same location for over four centuries – on the upper Mattaponi River in Virginia up river from the Mattaponi Indian Reservation.
This band of Indians did not belong to the reservation and is distinctly identified in 17th century records in a settlement that later became known as Adamstown, probably named after a British interpreter working with them in the early 18th century. They own 32 acres there today.
Grouped with the neighboring Pamunkey Indians in the county educational system for years, the Upper Mattaponi got their own Indian school in 1917. It was initially a one-room schoolhouse providing primary instruction and limited secondary education, and the Indian families had to provide the furniture. In 1952, the building was replaced with an eight-room schoolhouse.
Sharon Indian School operated until 1965 when the county’s three separate school systems – for black, white and Indian children -- were integrated. After segregation ended, the Indians were allowed to complete high school close to home.
Historical marker
“The students at Sharon Indian School had to attend other Native American, private, or public institutions, usually outside the Commonwealth, to obtain high school diplomas. Upper Mattaponi students – and students from the Rappahannock Tribe in the 1960s – attended school here until June 1965. It was one of the last Indian schools to operate in Virginia.”
The Sharon Indian School building today remains integral to Upper Mattaponi life in its use as a tribal center. The tribe hosts an annual pow-wow in the spring with native drumming, dancing, food and games that is open to the public. Next door is their church, the Indian View Baptist Church which was built in 1942.
The Upper Mattaponi Tribe officially organized in 1921 and was recognized by the Commonwealth of Virginia in 1983.
The Upper Mattaponi tribal grounds are located on Route 30 south of Route 360 in King William County.
