Henrico History

Many different depictions of Pocahontas occur today. Pictured clockwise from top remaining: Mary Ellen Howe (1994), Robert Matthew Sully (1850s), Thomas Sully (1852), Jean Leon Ferris (c. 1921) courtesy of William E. Ryder in addition to Virginia Historical Society.

Relating to Native US lore, her parents knew her as “Amonte” along with her key clan title had been “Matoaca.” The Woman European Christian friends labeled as her “Lady Rebecca.” Many have revered the lady due to the fact “mother” of your country, the female counterpart to George Washington. We know the lady as Pocahontas, celebrated Indian princess, child for the great Chief Powhatan.

Four hundred years back she existed section of the woman life with what is present-day Henrico County. Pocahontas permanently influenced the history for the County, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and America. It's her image that graces the Henrico seal and banner.

Pocahontas’ father, Chief Powhatan associated with Algonquin country, ruled a confederacy of Powhatan Indian tribes in Henrico and east Virginia. A hunting party grabbed Captain John Smith in 1607 western of Jamestown along the Chickahominy River. Captain Smith later on wrote he ended up being taken up to Powhatan and sentenced to death. In the “General Historie” posted in 1624, Smith described his controversial rescue by Pocahontas.

“Having feasted him . . . A lengthy assessment was held, but the conclusion had been, two great rocks were brought before Powhatan: then as much as could lay hands on him, pulled him in their mind, and thereon set their head, and being prepared with their clubs, to beate down their braines, Pocahontas the Kings dearest child, whenever no intreaty could prevaile, got his head inside her armes, and set her owne upon their to save him from death: whereat the Emperour [Powhatan] had been contented he should stay to help make him hatchets, and her bells, beads, and copper . . .”

Despite the fact that relations between the Indians together with settlers were aggressive from time to time, Pocahontas and John Smith maintained an amiable commitment. In 1608 Pocahontas could have conserved Smith’s life an additional time with her caution that Powhatan once again desired him put to demise.

Pocahontas was kidnapped by the settlers in 1613. She ended up being betrayed by two Indians for a copper kettle and lured onto a ship in the Potomac River. She ended up being brought to Jamestown and utilized as a political pawn in negotiations along with her dad. During this time period she had been taken to the Citie of Henricus for spiritual training. Pocahontas became 1st Native United states in Virginia to convert to Christianity. She had been baptized an Anglican and given the title Rebecca.

In 1614 Pocahontas married John Rolfe, and in accordance with local American lore and local custom, they made their house with what is Henrico’s Varina District. The relationship introduced peace involving the English while the Powhatan tribes — an accomplishment that could affect the rest of American history.

Couple of years later Rolfe took Pocahontas and their particular child Thomas to England. The arrival of Pocahontas in London ended up being really publicized. She had been provided to King James I, the royal family, and also the rest of the most useful of London society. While preparing to go back to her local land, Pocahontas became sick and passed away at Gravesend, The united kingdomt, in which she had been hidden.

After developing up in The united kingdomt, Pocahontas’ boy Thomas returned to his mother’s homeland, became a militia officer and commanded a frontier fort in western Henrico in the James River.

Resources of information: Association the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities, The United Indians of Virginia, The Virginia Historical Society, Dr. Louis Manarin, composer of the real history of Henrico County and The Complete Functions of Captain John Smith (1580 – 1631), in three volumes, edited by Philip L. Barbour, v.II, p. 151.