...the rivers of Virginia were wisely permitted to retain their melodious Indian names. Among these are the Potomac, Rappahannock, Ohio, Shenandoah, Kanawha, Appomattox, Chickahominy, and Nassemond. Chesapeake Bay was also named by the Indians. The islands and the smaller mountains are generally named after their discoverers. Smith's Island, near Cape Charles, is thus called in honor of Capt. John ...