Life of Pocahontas at the Cite of Henricus

Pocahontas, daughter of Chief Powhatan, first captured the attention of the English when she and other Virginia Indian children began visiting Jamestown in 1607. John Smith described her as playful, spirited and smarter than the other children. Later, Pocahontas was credited for saving Smith at the hands of her father. Captured by Samuel Argall in 1613, Pocahontas was originally taken to Jamestown. Sir Thomas Gates, fearful of reprisal from Powhatan, turned Pocahontas over to Sir Thomas Dale at Henricus. Dale instructed Rev. 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 English 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 small pox, and died at the age of 22. She remains buried in Gravesend, England. Learn more about the life of Pocahontas at Henricus Historical Park on Saturday (10 a.m.-5 p.m.; free for members, $8 for adults and $6 for children 3-12).