See Inside a Longhouse at Henricus Historical Park

A yihakan, or longhouse, at Henricus' recreated town of Arrohateck.

In the Virginia Algonquian language, yehakin is the word for house. The type of living structure that these communities built is often referred to today as a longhouse. These homes were constructed from wooden frames and covered with woven mats. Their rounded shape made them sturdy and resistant to winds and rain. This construction also allowed families to roll up the mats and transport them to a new location during times of travel. During the autumn and winter hunting season, for example, families would often move further inland and construct smaller, temporary residences. 

In the community, women were responsible for constructing yehakins. This gave them ownership of the household. A woman's family, including many extended family members, lived here. Inside were areas for storage, places for cooking over the fire, and platform beds lined with furs. It was here, in these family homes, that centuries of Native Americans lived alongside the waters of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Here were their prized posessions, the places where they gathered to hold meetings and tell stories, and where they would come together as families to rest and eat after a day's work. 

At Henricus Historical Park, step inside an Algonquian yehakin. See how the structure is made, and view many of the items that families would have stored inside. 

History of Henricus

Henricus was the Virginia colony’s second town, established three years after the founding of Jamestown. Today, Henricus is a living history museum, complete with a historic fort, plantation, overlook of the James River, and the recreated American Indian town of Arrohateck. The Arrohateck people were displaced from the area shortly after the English began to establish their colony.

Henricus was influential in the life of an important Virginia Indian figure, Pocahontas. She was brought to Henricus by the English after she was taken hostage. It was here where she was baptized and took the name Rebecca.

Visiting Henricus Historical Park

In addition to the living history museum, Henricus Historical Park offers school and youth programs, special events, lesson plans, and adult educational programming.

251 Henricus Park Rd. Chester, VA 23836
804-748-1611 
www.henricus.org
Hours: Wed to Sun from 10-5

Details

Duration

1 Hour

Activity

Living History

Pets Allowed

Yes

Activity Fee

Yes

Adults: $13
Children (ages 5 - 12): $9
Children (4 and under): Free
Members: Free (must present a Patron Pass or photo identification)
Military: $12
Museums for All: Free 

Location

Henricus Historical Park

251 Henricus Park Road
Chester, VA 23836

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Time of Day

Day

Wednesday - Sunday
10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Accessibility Information

Park grounds are packed gravel or dirt and interior of living history buildings are dirt, which may be uneven. There is an accessible gift shop and a paved road (walking, no cars) to a James River overlook.