Pamunkey Tribe Buys Historic New Kent Property to Protect Ancient Village Site

By Billy Briefman · October 17, 2026 · 2 min read read

Pamunkey Indian Tribe Acquires Historic Windsor Shades Property to Preserve Ancestral Lands Originally reported by WTVR CBS 6. WTVR CBS 6 The Pamunkey Indian Tribe purchased the historic Windsor...

Pamunkey Indian Tribe Acquires Historic Windsor Shades Property to Preserve Ancestral Lands

Originally reported by WTVR CBS 6. WTVR CBS 6

The Pamunkey Indian Tribe purchased the historic Windsor Shades property in New Kent County to protect a site containing both an 18th-century tavern and an ancient Native American village.

The acquisition marks a significant step in the tribe's efforts to reclaim and safeguard ancestral territory within Central VA. By securing the land, the tribe ensures the long-term preservation of cultural resources that date back centuries before European colonization, according to reporting from WTVR CBS 6.

Preserving a Dual History

The Windsor Shades site holds a complex layers of history, featuring a colonial-era tavern building alongside the remnants of a much older indigenous settlement. The Pamunkey Indian Tribe intends to manage the property to honor its deep connection to the land while maintaining the integrity of the standing historic structures.

Chief Robert Gray emphasized the importance of the purchase for the tribe's future and its relationship with the past. The move allows the tribe to exercise direct stewardship over a location that served as a hub for their ancestors long before the tavern's construction in the 1700s.

"This is a great day for the Pamunkey Indian Tribe as we continue to reclaim our ancestral lands and protect the history of our people," said Chief Robert Gray.

Cultural Stewardship in Central VA

The purchase prevents potential private development that could have threatened the archaeological integrity of the village site. According to the tribe, the location provides a unique opportunity to educate the public about the enduring presence of indigenous communities in the region.

The tribe plans to conduct further assessments of the property to determine the best methods for conservation. This includes protecting both the colonial architecture and the sensitive ground that holds artifacts from the original Native American village, according to WTVR CBS 6.

The Pamunkey Indian Tribe continues to seek opportunities to expand its land holdings and protect sites of cultural significance throughout their traditional territory in Virginia.

This article is based on reporting originally published by WTVR CBS 6. Channel RVA provides this coverage with additional local context for the Richmond community.