GWYNN'S ISLAND

Around 1611(ca), Hugh Gwynn was exploring the Chesapeake Bay and stopped at a small island at the mouth of the Piankatank River. Legend has it that he heard cries for help from an Indian girl who had fallen from her canoe. Seeing her in the water, he dived in and pulled her to safety. When asked her name she replied "Pocahontas, daughter of Chief Powhatan." In gratitude for saving her life, she gave the island to Hugh Gwynn - Gwynn's Island was born. We believe that Hugh Gwynn, like so many of his compatriots, claimed the Island in the name of King James VI. (known James Charles Stuart and later James I as King of Scotland & England)... Gwynn's Island is situated in Mathews County, Virginia, at the mouth of the Piankatank River on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay approximately 80 miles east of Richmond and the same distance north of Norfolk by road. About 4 miles long and 3/4 miles wide, the year round population is close to 800. The formation of Mathews County originated from..

Also known as: Gwynn's Island Museum

Primary location: Gwynn United States