Travel with Amateur Traveler · Saturday, August 15, 2026
Valerie Mackey discussed Bell Isle in Richmond, Virginia, a site with a rich and often unknown history, including its use by the Palatinan Indians and its exploration by Captain John Smith. The island later served as a military prison during the Civil War, holding many soldiers.
“And the history of the island itself is really fascinating because the Palatinan Indians used to be there. So the Palatinan tribe was there, which kind of relates us over to Jamestown and to Williamsburg a little bit.”
“And Captain John Smith actually did go through and explore and discover Bell Isle.”
“So the island has so much history and I didn't even know that growing up.”