Pocahontas buried in England 400 years ago

In March 1617, fabled Powhatan Native American woman Pocahontas died far from her home, while returning from a visit to England

Left: Only known image of Pocahontas taken from life (1616). Born Matoaka, also known as Amonute

Walt Disney Pictures’ depiction of Pocahontas (1995)

London
ENGLAND
Voyage takes 2-3 months
Jamestown
VIRGINIA
UNITED STATES
Atlantic Ocean
620 miles
1,000km

Maps depict modern borders/state lines

Werowocomoco: Capital of Powhatan Indian territory until abandonment around 1614. Rediscovered by
archaeologists in 2003
VIRGINIA
Richmond
Chesapeake
James River
30km
20 miles

Jamestown: First permanent English settlement in Americas, founded in 1607
Situated on banks of James River, Jamestown served as capital of Colony of Virginia for 83 years, from 1616-1699

POCAHONTAS LEGEND
Born c1595: Daughter of Powhatan Indian chief. Nicknamed “Pocahontas”, meaning “playful one”

1607: Said to have prevented father from executing English colonist John Smith

1613: Captured by English during Anglo- Indian hostilities. Converts to Christianity and takes name Rebecca

1614: Marries English tobacco grower John Rolfe. One son, Thomas

1616: Rolfes sail to London, where she is celebrated in English society as “civilised savage”

1617: Pocahontas dies on board ship soon after departure for Virginia

ENGLAND
London
Folkestone
30km
20 miles
Gravesend: Pocahontas buried Mar 21, 1617, at St George’s Church. Grave site unknown

Churchyard statue

Sources: National Park Service, Biography, Library of Congress, William & Mary University, IMDB
Pictures: Wiki Commons, Matt Statter (Wiki Commons), Walt Disney Pictures
© Disney