The Story of Princess Pocahontas

Pocahontas was born about 1595–1596, a daughter of the Chief over some forty Algonquian communities spread about the shores of the rivers now called the James and the York, which flow into Chesapeake Bay. Her father, called Powhatan, named her Meto-aka and later Pocahontas, meaning ‘playful little girl’.

Powhatan’s rule was threatened by the arrival of the Spanish, French and English mariners, who were exploring for a north-west passage to the (East) Indies. After the death of Elizabeth I, England’s struggles with Spain and Scotland ceased, thus releasing capital and manpower for trade and to support conversion to the Christian faith.

The English claim to North America was split between two companies. One, based in Bristol, saw its first and only settlement come to grief, whilst the other, based in London, took Virginia.

In spring 1607, three London ships appeared in Chesapeake Bay and, though permitted to land, their would-be settlers were discouraged by Powhatan from staying. When they started to build a fort, the Native Americans attacked, but were soon repulsed by ship’s cannon.

The ships sailed home before winter, leaving 105 men – no women having made the voyage – who were only saved from starvation by the success of Captain John Smith in obtaining corn from more distant Native Americans.