Pocahontas, Algonquian Indigenous princess (b. c. 1595)

The name Pocahontas resonates deeply in American history and popular culture, though the historical figure herself was far more complex than the romanticized legends suggest. Born around 1596 as Amonute, and also known as Matoaka, she was a remarkable Native American woman of the Powhatan people. Her life, though tragically short, became inextricably linked with the early English colonial settlement at Jamestown, Virginia, playing a pivotal role in the uneasy early interactions between Indigenous communities and European newcomers.

As the daughter of Powhatan, the paramount chief of a formidable network of tributary tribes within the Tsenacommacah – a vast territory encompassing the Tidewater region of Virginia – Pocahontas held a position of significance. Her father's influence extended over thousands, and her early life would have been steeped in the rich traditions and complex political dynamics of her people, long before the English arrived on their shores.

A Turning Point: Capture, Conversion, and Marriage

The relationship between the Powhatan Confederacy and the Jamestown colonists was frequently fraught with tension and conflict. It was during one such period of hostility in 1613 that Pocahontas faced a life-altering event: she was captured by English colonists and held for ransom. This wasn't just a simple kidnapping; it was a strategic move by the English to gain leverage over Chief Powhatan. During her captivity, which lasted for over a year, she was immersed in English culture. She was actively encouraged to embrace Christianity, a significant cultural and spiritual shift, and eventually, she was baptized, taking on the English name Rebecca.

A pivotal moment in this period was her marriage to John Rolfe, a prominent English tobacco planter. Their union, which took place in April 1614 when Pocahontas was approximately 17 or 18 years old, was more than a personal event; it was a calculated political alliance. This marriage is widely credited with ushering in a period of relative peace between the colonists and the Powhatan tribes, often referred to as the "Peace of Pocahontas." The couple soon welcomed a son, Thomas Rolfe, born in January 1615, solidifying their familial bond.

Journey to England and Lasting Legacy

In 1616, the Rolfes embarked on a momentous journey across the Atlantic, traveling to London. Pocahontas was presented to English society not merely as a colonist's wife, but as a living example of a "civilized savage." The Virginia Company, which funded the Jamestown settlement, hoped her presence would generate excitement and stimulate much-needed investment in their struggling colonial venture. Her visit was a sensation; she became a momentary celebrity, elegantly fêted at various social gatherings, and even attended a grand masque at Whitehall Palace, a testament to the curiosity she aroused in England.

During her time in England, Pocahontas's path may have crossed with that of Squanto, a Patuxet Indian from New England who was also in London, highlighting the broader, though often tragic, narrative of Indigenous encounters with European powers. However, her time in England was cut short. In March 1617, as the Rolfes prepared to set sail for Virginia, Pocahontas tragically died at Gravesend. She was only 20 or 21 years old, and the exact cause of her death remains unknown, though theories range from disease to poisoning. She was laid to rest in St. George's Church in Gravesend, England. Sadly, the precise location of her grave has been lost to history, as the church was rebuilt following a devastating fire.

Despite her brief life and the often-romanticized or distorted versions of her story, Pocahontas's impact endured. Numerous places, landmarks, and products across the United States bear her name, cementing her place in the national consciousness. While many aspects of her popular narrative are likely fictional, particularly some of the more dramatic tales recounted by John Smith, her documented descendants have frequently contested these embellishments. She remains a compelling subject in art, literature, and film, and her lineage is a source of pride for many. Indeed, numerous prominent figures, including members of the First Families of Virginia, First Lady Edith Wilson, American Western actor Glenn Strange, and astronomer Percival Lowell, have proudly claimed descent through her son, Thomas Rolfe.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pocahontas

Who was Pocahontas?
Pocahontas, originally named Amonute and also known as Matoaka, was a Native American woman of the Powhatan people. She was the daughter of Chief Powhatan and is renowned for her interactions with the early English colonists at Jamestown, Virginia, in the early 17th century.
When and where was Pocahontas born?
Pocahontas was born around 1596, likely within the territory of the Powhatan Confederacy in what is now the Tidewater region of Virginia.
When did Pocahontas die?
Pocahontas died in March 1617 in Gravesend, England, at the age of 20 or 21, as she was preparing to return to Virginia. The exact cause of her death is unknown.
Was Pocahontas married?
Yes, Pocahontas married English tobacco planter John Rolfe in April 1614. Their marriage helped to establish a period of peace between the Jamestown colonists and the Powhatan tribes.
Did Pocahontas have children?
Yes, Pocahontas and John Rolfe had one son, Thomas Rolfe, who was born in January 1615.
What is Pocahontas famous for?
Pocahontas is famous for her association with the Jamestown colony, her marriage to John Rolfe, her conversion to Christianity, and her visit to England, where she was presented to English society. Her story has become a significant, though often romanticized, part of American history and folklore.
Is the popular story of Pocahontas accurate?
While Pocahontas was a real historical figure, many aspects of her popular story, particularly those dramatized in fiction and film, are heavily romanticized and may not be factually accurate. Accounts from early colonists, notably John Smith, have been contested by her descendants and historians.