Threatened for years by a water intake and pump station, the historic capital of the Monacan Indian Nation was successfully listed in the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s 2020 America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places program. On March 15, 2022 after years of advocacy by the Monacan Indian Nation, the James River Water Authority (JRWA) voted to pursue an alternative location, thus saving the sacred land. In that action, JRWA also flagged its willingness to transfer their property to the Monacan Nation. Talks with other friendly and adjacent landowners are underway to unite the parcels.  Read more about this long sought victory at http://www.culturalheritagepartners.com/saverassawek/.

Preservation Virginia is grateful to the people of the Monacan Indian Nation for their commitment, to Cultural Heritage Partners for their wise consul,   to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Southern Environmental Law Center and all the organizations and individuals who steadfastly supported the opportunity to save Rassawek.