Pocahontas

Pocahontas, the favorite daughter of Paramount Chief Wahunsenacawh, better known as Powhatan, ruler of the Powhatan Paramount Chiefdom, was born around 1595, probably at Werowocomoco, 15 miles from Jamestown. In 1608, she made frequent and welcome visits to Jamestown, often bringing gifts of food from her father, and Captain John Smith believed she saved his life twice during the colony’s first years. In April of 1613, Captain Argall kidnapped her and brought her to Jamestown. While a hostage, she received lessons in Christianity, converted, and was baptized. Her marriage to John Rolfe in April 1614 helped establish peaceful relations between the Powhatan and colonists. In 1616, she visited England with Rolfe and their infant son Thomas and was presented to the Royal Court. She died on March 21, 1617, and was buried in St. George’s Church in Gravesend, England. Today, many Americans claim descent from her son and granddaughter.

Virginia · United States