Pocahontas

A truly remarkable woman, Pocahontas helped ease tensions between Native Americans and English settlers.

Named Matoaka upon her birth in the 1590’s, Pocahontas (her tribal nickname) was reportedly one of Chief Powhatan’s favorite children.  She first captured the attention of the English when she and other Native American children began visiting Jamestown in 1607. 

John Smith was intrigued by the presence of this young lady, and described her as playful, spirited and smarter than the other children.  Later, Pocahontas was credited for saving Smith from death at the hands of her father.

Captured by Captain Samual Argall in 1613, Pocahontas was initially taken to Jamestown.  Sir Thomas Gates was fearful of reprisal from Powhatan, and turned her over to Sir Thomas Dale at Henricus. 

Dale instructed Reverend Alexander Whitaker to care for Pocahontas and instruct her in the ways of Christianity.  While living at Henricus she converted to Christianity, was baptized and took the Christian name Rebecca.

She met and was courted by John Rolfe, whom she married in April 1614.  After their marriage, Powhatan signed a peace treaty with the English settlers which lasted until March 22, 1622.

In 1616, Pocahontas traveled to England with her husband and infant son Thomas.  While there she contracted an illness, possibly tuberculosis or smallpox, and died at the age of 22.  She remains buried in Gravesend, England.