Occaneechi Tribe
The Occaneechi were a small Eastern Siouan tribe located in southern Virginia and northern North Carolina. Documented by Lederer in 1670, they lived on Roanoke River’s largest island, cultivating corn and maintaining a year’s supply. They interacted closely with the Saponi and Tutelo, sharing language and customs. Their society was led by two chiefs, overseeing war and agriculture, while their culture included ceremonial feasting. Facing pressures from the Iroquois and Virginians, they eventually migrated south to Eno River by 1701.