Pocahontas: A Native American Heroine

Pocahontas (American Biographies)

by Gail Fay

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	16287 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	48 pages

FREE

Pocahontas was a Native American woman who played a pivotal role in the early history of the United States. She was the daughter of Powhatan, the chief of the Powhatan Confederacy, and she was instrumental in helping the English settlers at Jamestown survive. Pocahontas was a brave and intelligent woman, and her story is one of courage, resilience, and hope.

Early Life

Pocahontas was born around 1595 in Werowocomoco, the capital of the Powhatan Confederacy. She was the daughter of Powhatan, the chief of the confederacy, and his wife, Nonoma Winanuske. Pocahontas had two brothers, Nantaquas and Parahunt, and two sisters, Mataoka and Uttamatomakin.

Pocahontas was a curious and intelligent child. She was eager to learn about the world around her, and she often spent time exploring the forests and rivers near her home. Pocahontas was also a skilled hunter and fisherman, and she was able to provide for herself and her family.

Meeting the English

In 1607, a group of English settlers arrived in Jamestown, Virginia. The settlers were led by Captain John Smith, and they were looking for a place to establish a permanent settlement. The settlers quickly came into contact with the Powhatan Confederacy, and they began to trade with the Native Americans.

Pocahontas was one of the first Native Americans to meet the English settlers. She was fascinated by their strange clothes and their metal tools. Pocahontas quickly learned to speak English, and she became a valuable interpreter for the settlers.

Saving John Smith

In 1609, John Smith was captured by the Powhatan Confederacy. Smith was taken to Werowocomoco, and he was sentenced to death. However, Pocahontas intervened, and she begged her father to spare Smith's life. Powhatan agreed to Pocahontas's request, and Smith was released.

Smith was grateful to Pocahontas for saving his life, and he became a close friend to her. Smith taught Pocahontas about English culture, and he helped her to understand the English settlers.

Marriage to John Rolfe

In 1613, Pocahontas married John Rolfe, an English settler. Rolfe was a tobacco planter, and he was one of the most successful settlers in Jamestown. Pocahontas and Rolfe had one son, Thomas Rolfe.

Pocahontas and Rolfe's marriage was a success, and it helped to improve relations between the English settlers and the Powhatan Confederacy. Pocahontas was a respected member of both communities, and she was able to use her influence to promote peace and understanding.

Death

In 1616, Pocahontas traveled to England with Rolfe. She was a guest of honor at the court of King James I, and she was treated with great respect. However, Pocahontas became ill while she was in England, and she died in 1617. She was only 22 years old.

Pocahontas's death was a great loss to both the English settlers and the Powhatan Confederacy. She was a brave and intelligent woman, and she played a pivotal role in the early history of the United States.

Legacy

Pocahontas is remembered as a symbol of courage, resilience, and hope. She was a Native American woman who stood up for her people and who helped to build bridges between two cultures. Pocahontas's story is one that continues to inspire people today.

There are many memorials to Pocahontas in the United States. There is a statue of her in Jamestown, Virginia, and there is a Pocahontas Island in Richmond, Virginia. There is also a Pocahontas State Park in Virginia, and a Pocahontas County in West Virginia.

Pocahontas's story is one that should be told and retold for generations to come. She is a reminder of the strength and resilience of the human spirit, and she is a symbol of the hope for peace and understanding between all people.

Pocahontas (American Biographies)

by Gail Fay

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	16287 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	48 pages

FREE