Williamsburg in James City County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Pocahontas
Pocahontas was born around 1595, probably at Werowocomoco, 15 miles from Jamestown. In 1608, she made frequent and welcome visits to Jamestown, often bringing gifts of food from her father. Captain John Smith believed she saved his life twice during the colony’s first years.
In April of 1613, Captain Argall kidnapped Pocahontas and brought her to Jamestown. While a hostage, she received lessons in Christianity, converted, and was baptized.
Her marriage to John Rolfe in April 1614 helped establish peaceful relations between the Powhatan and colonists. In 1616, she visited England with Rolfe and their infant son Thomas, and was presented to the Royal Court. She died on March 21, 1617, and was buried in St. George’s Church in Gravesend, England.
Today, many Americans claim descent from her son and granddaughter.
Erected by Colonial National Historical Park, National Park Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Colonial Era • Native Americans • Women. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1849.
Location. 37° 12.524′ N, 76° 46.7′ W. Marker is in Williamsburg, Virginia, in James City County. Marker can be reached from Colonial Parkway, on the right when traveling west. Marker is in the "Old Towne" section of the Historic Jamestown unit of Colonial National Historic Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Williamsburg VA 23185, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Jamestown (a few steps from this marker); Fort Extension, Blockhouse (a few steps from this marker); Jamestown’s Churches (a few steps from this marker); The Tombstones (within shouting distance of this marker); The Tombs of James and Sarah Blair (within shouting distance of this marker); 1608 Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Church Tower (within shouting distance of this marker); Storehouse & First Well (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Williamsburg.
More about this marker. The right of the marker contains the “Only 17th-century depiction of Pocahontas, engraved in 1616 when she was in London. Pocahontas adopted English lifestyles after she was baptized and married John Rolfe in 1614. Simon Van de Passe, Matoaka alias Rebeecca, 1616. Courtesy of the Virginia Historical Society, Richmond Virginia.”
Also see . . .
1. Historic Jamestowne. Colonial National Historic Park from National Park Service website. (Submitted on September 11, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
2. Historic Jamestowne. Historic Jamestowne is the site of the first permanent English settlement in America. The site is jointly administered by APVA Preservation Virginia and the National Park Service. (Submitted on September 11, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
Credits. This page was last revised on December 25, 2019. It was originally submitted on September 11, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,975 times since then and 45 times this year. It was the Marker of the Week April 3, 2011. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 11, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 5. submitted on October 26, 2015, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland.