- Powhatan was a powerful Native American chief who ruled over a large confederacy of tribes in the region of present-day Virginia.
- Powhatan was born around 1550.
- He became the chief of the Powhatan Confederacy around 1585 after his brother's death.
- Powhatan was a skilled warrior and diplomat.
- He was also a shrewd businessman.
- He traded with the English and other Europeans for goods such as guns, knives, and cloth.
Why was Powhatan important to the Jamestown Colony?
- When the English colonists arrived at Jamestown in 1607, they were greeted by Powhatan and his people.
- The colonists were dependent on the Powhatan for food and other supplies.
- Powhatan initially allowed the colonists to settle in Jamestown, but he soon became concerned about their growing power and influence.
- In 1622, Powhatan led an attack on the Jamestown colony.
- The attack was unsuccessful, but it marked the beginning of a long and bloody war between the Powhatan Confederacy and the English colonists.
- Powhatan died in 1618.
- His son, Opechancanough, succeeded him as chief of the Powhatan Confederacy.
- Opechancanough continued to fight against the English colonists for many years.