The following is a description of Powhatan in the year 1889.

Goodspeed

"Powhatan proves a profitable center for four general stores, one grocery, one drug store, a spoke factory, blacksmith and wagon shop, two hotels, two churches -- Methodist and Presbyterian-- a schoolhouse, livery stable, the county buildings, a ferry across the river, and about 250 inhabitants. It is a very old town, the site of which was settled by John Ficklin, and its location is a most pleasant one."