Nacotchtank (Anacostans) and the Anacostia region

The Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum documents the pre-colonial indigenous inhabitants of the area, especially the Nacotchtank (often called Anacostans), who maintained villages along the Anacostia River prior to European contact. The present name 'Anacostia' derives from Nacotchtank, and archaeological and historical research has identified indigenous occupation sites in the Anacostia area of Washington, D.C. The museum holds collections, exhibits, and published research related to the Nacotchtank and other Native histories tied to the local landscape.