This is my photograph of Pocahontas’ statue on Jamestown Island. The statue is the first to greet visitors as you enter this most Historic and Sacred site.

Pocahontas was the favorite daughter of Powhatan, who ruled the Powhatan Confederacy. She was born about 1595, probably at Werowocomoco, 16 miles from Jamestown. Captain John Smith said she had saved his life twice during the colony's first years. Once, when Smith was a captive, and was about to be beheaded by Powhatan’s Warriors with a stone club, Pocahontas thru herself upon the Captain and placed her head upon his. Chief Powhatan, seeing this brave act of his daughter, immediately set Captain Smith free. Although Pocahontas's life would be tied to the English after this first meeting, she is not tied to Smith, except in his report in his books. In 1608-1609 she was a frequent and welcome visitor to Jamestown, often bringing gifts of food from her father. She later negotiated with Captain Smith for the release of Indians who had been captured by the colonists during a raid to gain English weaponry. From 1609 to 1613 she was part of Indian society and was not seen by the settlers. In April 1613, she was captured by the English while she was living on the Potomac River and was brought to Jamestown as a hostage. Pocahontas converted to Christianity and took the name Rebecca in 1613 under the tutelage of Reverend Alexander Whitaker, who arrived in Jamestown in 1611 to found the first Presbyterian Church in Virginia. Her marriage to John Rolfe in April 1614, helped to establish peaceful relations between the Indians and the English. In 1616 she visited England with her husband and infant son, Thomas, and was presented to the Royal Court. While returning to Virginia she died on March 21, 1617 and was buried in St. George's Church in Gravesend, England. Today many Americans claim descent from her through her son and granddaughter.