A.D. 1200, the Smith River Valley was visited seasonally, by small bands of hunters taking advantage of the rich fauna inhabiting the river valley. The flood plains surrounding the Smith River were first permanently settled by Virginia Indians in the late prehistoric era, known archaeologically as the Late Woodland period, and regionally as the Dan River Phase.
In A.D. 1200, small groups of hunters visited the Smith River Valley seasonally, taking advantage of the rich wildlife in the river valley. The floodplains surrounding the Smith River were first settled by Virginia Indians during the late prehistoric era, known archaeologically as the Late Woodland period and regionally as the Dan River Phase.