For all you history buffs!!!

The Adams residence is located in South Hampton Roads in the Great Neck Point neighborhood on the Lynnhaven River, which flows into the Chesapeake Bay. Historically, Great Neck Point was home to the Chesepian or Chesapeake, a Native American tribe. Chesapeake was the English modification of the Algonquin K’che-sepi-ack, which translates to “country on Great River” or “Mother of the Water”. While the main Chesepian village was in Norfolk, the Adams home is located at the site of two other villages, Apasus and Chesepic. It is said that the Indians favored this spot because of its inlets, tall pines, and beautiful waters. Many Native American artifacts and burial mounds have been found in our neighborhood.

In 1607, the Chesepians thrived with a population of 350. However, by 1669, they tragically ceased to exist as a tribe, wiped out by the powerful Powhatan tribe. Chief Powhatan (father of Pocahontas) was warned by priests that “an enemy from the east would conquer his empire.” In response to this vision, Powhatan eradicated the Chesepian tribe, a poignant chapter in Native American history.

Of course, history would prove that the threat from the east would be the arrival of the colonists. Our neighborhood also has a relic of colonization with a historic home, The Adam Keeling House. The home was constructed circa 1735, is owned by a lovely family, and can be viewed from Adam Keeling Road, which leads back to our home. The Adam Keeling home is the oldest occupied house in Virginia.  The Keeling family cemetery is at the intersection of Adam Keeling Road and Lynn Cove Lane.

If you’re interested, tell the shuttle driver to slow down at 3157 Adams Keeling so you can take a peek!