The Mattaponi Indian Reservation was created from land long held by the Tribe by an  act of the Virginia General Assembly in 1658. Being one of the oldest reservations in  the country, the Tribe traces its history back to the Great Chief Powhatan who ruled  most of Tidewater Virginia when Europeans arrived in 1607. The story of Pocahontas  and Captain John Smith begins here.

Since the Assembly's designation of the Reservation in 1658, the Mattaponi Tribe has  maintained its heritage and many of its customs despite strong pressures pushing  toward assimilation with the mainstream culture.

Through the years both the Reservation's physical size and the number of Tribal  members have been diminished. The reservation presently encompasses approximately 150  acres, a portion being wetland. Although the Tribal Roll numbers 450 people, only 60  actually live on the Reservation. The Mattaponi Indian Tribe is State recognized and  continues to maintain its own Sovereign government. The Governing Body is today made  up of the Chief , Assistant Chief, and seven Councilmen.

Many Mattaponis who live off the Reservation would like to return to their  traditional homeland to continue the Tribe's culture and traditions. To do so will  require expansion of the land holdings of the Mattaponi Tribe.

The Reservation today sits on the banks of the Mattaponi River, one of the most  pristine rivers in the Eastern United States. Facilities on the Reservation today  include living quarters, a small church, a museum, a fish hatchery, and a community  Tribal building that was formerly the Reservation school.

While some of the residents pursue their endeavors on the Reservation, many of the  younger members seek work in other areas.