Powhatan

Powhatan Genealogy and History

Powhatan Indians (Southern Renape pawd’tan, ‘falls in a current’ of water.-Gerard). A confederacy of Virginian Algonquian tribes. Their territory included the tidewater section of Virginia from the Potomac south to the divide between James River and Albemarle sound, and extended into the interior as far as the falls of the principal rivers about Fredericksburg and Richmond. They also occupied the Virginia counties east of Chesapeake Bay and possibly included some tribes in lower Maryland. In the Piedmont region west of them were the hostile Monacan and Manahoac, while on the south were the Chowanoc, Nottoway, and Meherrin of Iroquoian stock. … Read more

Accohanoc Tribe

Accohanoc Indians. A tribe of the Powhatan confederacy that formerly lived on the river of the same name, in Accomac and Northampton counties, Virginia. They had 40 warriors in 1608. Their principal village bore the name of the tribe. They became mixed with Negroes in later times, and the remnant was driven off at the time of the Nat Turner insurrection, about 1833. (J. M.)

Powhatan Indians

Powhatan Indians – Said by Gerard to signify “falls in a current of water,” and applied originally to one tribe but extended by the English to its chief Wahunsonacock, and through him to the body of tribes which came under his sway. Also called: Sachdagugh-roonaw, Iroquois name. Powhatan Connections. The Powhatan belonged to the Algonquian linguistic stock, their nearest relatives probably being the Algonquian tribes of Carolina and the Conoy. Powhatan Location. In the tidewater section of Virginia from Potomac River to the divide between James River and Albemarle Sound, and the territory of the present eastern shore of Virginia. … Read more

True Relations – Weramocomoco their Emperor

Arriving at Weramocomoco their emperor, proudly lying upon a bedstead a foot high upon ten or twelve mats, richly hung with many chains of great pearls about his neck, and covered with a great covering of Rahaughcums . At these sat a women and at his feet sat another, on each side of him sitting upon a mat upon the ground were his chief men on each side of the fire, ten in a rank and behind them as many young women, each wearing a great chain of white beads over there shoulders. There beads painted in red and with … Read more

True Relations – Warrior of the Powhatan

This so contented him, he as immediacy with attentive influence with a loud ovation he proclaimed me a Warrior of the Powhatan, and that all his subjects should esteem us and no man account us as strangers nor Paspaheghans, but Powhatans, and that the corn, women and the country should be to us as it is to their own people. This offered kindness for many reasons we commend not, but with the best Languages and signs of thanks that I could express. I took my leave. The King rising from his seat, conducted me forth and then caused each of … Read more

True Relations – Need for Supplies

Time thus passing away and having not above fourteen days of vitals left, some notions were made about our president and Captain Archer going for England to procure supplies, which in the mean time we had reasonably fitted us with houses, and our president and Captain Martin being able to walk abroad, with much thought it was concluded that the Pinnis and the barge should go towards Powhatan , to trade for corn. Ballets were cast who should go in her, the chance was mine, and while she was arigging. I took a voyage to Topohanack, an here arriving, there … Read more

True Relations – Paister Nelson in the Phoenix

This happy arrival of Paister Nelson in the Phoenix and having been then about three months missing since Captain Newport’s arrival, being to all our predictions lost. And now at last having been long delayed by the tempest weather and contrary winds he so unexpected coming, did so bring us with him exceeding joy, that now we thought ourselves well fitted, as our hearts could wish, and now with a competent number of men., and also with all needed provisions, until a further supply should come to us. Where upon the first thing that was concluded was that myself and … Read more

The Pinnis Arrives at Chesapeake Bay

A True Relation Of Such Occurrences, and accidents of note, as has happened in Virginia, since the first planting of that colony, which is now resident in the south part there of, until he has returned. Indeed Sir , commendations remembered. You shall understand that after many crosses in the downs by tempests, we arrived safely upon the southwest part of the Great Canaries, within course of five days after we set sail for Dominica, the 26 of April, the first land we made, we fell with Cape Henry, the very mouth of the bay of Chiffiapiacke , which at … Read more

True Relations – Indians and Ambassadors

The next day came first an Indian, then another as ambassadors for their men, they desired to speak with me, or discuss what spades, shovels, swords or tools they had stolen, to bring home ( if not the next day they should hang ) the next news was they had taken two of our men, ranging in the woods, in which mischief the punishment will present hanging, and these they would and should redeem their own, sixteen or eighteen braving us to our doors, we advised the President and Captain Martin, that in the afternoon to fall upon them, but … Read more

True Relations – Councilor of Paspanegh

The concession of Macanoe, who was the Councilor of Paspanegh. First I , then Paister Scrivener, upon our several examinations, found out all of them were convinced that the Paspahegh and the Chickahamania did hate us, and intended some mischief, and they were who took me, the names of them that stole our tools and swords, and that Powhatan had received them, they all agreed. Certain volleys of shot we caused to be discharged, which caused each other to think their fellows had been slain. Powhatan understanding we detained certain Savages, sent his daughter, a child of ten years old, … Read more

Indians of Virginia

Baptism of Pocahontas

The most complete and veracious account of the manners, appearance, and history of the aboriginal inhabitants of Virginia, particularly those who dwelt in the eastern portion of that district, upon the rivers and the shores of Chesapeake Bay, is contained in the narrative of the re doubted Captain John Smith. This bold and energetic pioneer, after many “strange adventures, happened by land or sea;” still a young man, though a veteran in military service; and inured to danger and hardship, in battle and captivity among the Turks, joined his fortunes to those of Bartholomew Gosnoll and his party, who sailed … Read more