The Ruins of an Ancient Powhatan Territory Overtaken by English Colonists in the 1600s

Historic Jamestowne, Virginia

The Powhatan Indians knew this river bend well before any European set foot here. Chief Powhatan controlled dozens of villages across the region when three English ships sailed up the James River in the 1600s.

What happened next was part diplomacy, part disaster, and entirely pivotal to American history.

Here’s how it all began, preserved at the site where it actually happened.

Tsenacommacah

The Powhatan called their homeland Tsenacommacah, spanning 100 miles across eastern Virginia. Their leader Wahunsenacawh (also known as Powhatan) had expanded from six communities to more than 30 groups with nearly 15,000 people.

This land had supported Native peoples for 12,000 years before English arrival. In Powhatan’s 10,000-square-mile territory, local tribes kept their own chiefs but paid taxes in food, furs, and valuable items.

Jamestowne

In 1607, English colonists built Jamestown on land belonging to the Paspahegh, part of the Powhatan chiefdom. The Paspahegh had joined Powhatan’s network only ten years earlier.

The Paspahegh Territory

The Paspahegh built towns on both sides of the Chickahominy River mouth. About 200 people lived in this community when English ships arrived.

Because of their close location, the Paspahegh became the main link between Powhatan’s people and the colonists, with their chief Wowinchopunck leading early meetings.

The Trade That Sustained Early Jamestown

Early Jamestown survived by trading glass beads and copper to Powhatan tribes for food. These small items prevented starvation in the struggling colony.

Archaeologists have found more than 5,000 beads at Jamestown. Blue and white beads were most valued by Powhatan people, so European traders brought these colors specifically.

Copper pieces found at James Fort show signs of being cut and shaped to trade with Natives for corn and other necessities.

First Contact Between Paspahegh and English Settlers

English explorers first met Paspahegh people on May 4, 1607. Despite having no shared language, they managed to feast together.

Ten days later, colonists began building on Jamestown Island, land that belonged to the Paspahegh.

When Chief Wowinchapuncke brought one hundred warriors to the half-built fort on May 18, the visit ended after an argument over a hatchet, starting the pattern of mistrust that followed.

Werowocomoco

Jamestown was just 15 miles from Werowocomoco, Powhatan’s capital and seat of power. Archaeologists found this lost site in 2003, discovering people had lived there since 8000 B.C.

They uncovered large earthwork ditches built in the 1300s, showing this place was important long before Powhatan made it his headquarters.

Feeling threatened by the English, Powhatan abandoned Werowocomoco in 1609, moving farther inland for safety.

Indians Living Within James Fort

Native Americans spent considerable time inside James Fort during its early years. Excavated trash pits contain Indian reed mats, shell beads, and stone tools mixed with English items.

One discovery shows cultural blending via a clay pot made by an English craftsman but pressed with a Virginia Indian basket pattern.

The Factory

Archaeologists found a large building at James Fort’s edge called ‘The Factory.’ Glass beads and copper pieces on its floor show it served as Jamestown’s trading center.

Its location allowed trading with Natives without letting them inside defensive walls. The Factory had a cellar that doubled as a prison.

John Smith used this space to hold Powhatan individuals during conflicts, showing how trade and tension mixed in early Virginia.

Pocahontas and the Changing Powhatan-English Relations

Pocahontas, daughter of Chief Powhatan, moved between two worlds during this critical period. Her marriage to John Rolfe in 1614 received her father’s blessing and created a brief peace.

The Fate of the Paspahegh People

In August 1610, English forces attacked the main Paspahegh town under Lord De la Warr’s orders. English soldiers captured the Paspahegh queen and her children.

They killed the children during the return journey, then executed the queen at Jamestown. This attack broke the tribe apart. Survivors scattered among other Powhatan groups.

By early 1611, the Paspahegh had disappeared from historical records.

Visiting Historic Jamestowne

Historic Jamestowne welcomes visitors daily from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM at 1368 Colonial Parkway, Jamestown, VA 23081. Adult admission costs $25, with discounts for children and seniors.

The Archaearium museum displays over 2,000 artifacts including the largest collection of Colonial-period Native American items in Virginia. J

The reconstructed Paspahegh Village area demonstrates traditional building techniques and daily life. Purchase tickets online at historicjamestowne.org or at the Visitor Center upon arrival.

Read More on WhenInYourState.com:

• Union Troops Once Came Within 7 Miles of Capturing the Confederate Capital at This Historic Virginia Park
• This Depression-Era Mountain Road Features 75 Scenic Overlooks Across Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains
• The World’s Largest Natural Instrument Hides Deep Within This Virginia Mountain