AD 1622: Powhatan Chiefdom resists English settlement in Virginia

At the death of Chief Powhatan in 1618, his brother takes his place as the leader of the Powhatan Chiefdom. Under the leadership of Opechancanough, the head of the Pamunkey Indians, Powhatans kill 347 marauding English settlers.

Led by Opechancanough (b. ca. 1545–d. 1646), the Powhatan Chiefdom fights two wars with English colonists in Virginia, the first in 1622–23, and a second one in 1644–46. Both end in treaties between the Indians and the English. Another treaty signed in 1677 goes largely unheeded. As a result, Virginia’s Native people are forced from their homelands by thousands of English newcomers.

Theme

Land and Water, Native Rights

Region

Southeast