Powhatan

(proper noun)

The name of an American Indian confederation of tribes originating from what is present-day Virginia; also known as Virginia Algonquians.

Related Terms

Examples of Powhatan in the following topics:

  • Jamestown, Virginia

    • They were the Powhatan Confederacy, ruled by their paramount chief, known as Wahunsenacawh, or "Chief Powhatan".
    • Powhatan's brother, a fierce warrior named Opchanacanough, became head of the Powhatan Confederacy.
    • In 1646, Opchanacanough was captured and killed while in custody, and the Powhatan Confederacy began to decline.
    • Opechancanough's successor then signed the first peace treaties between the Powhatan Indians and the English.
    • The treaties required the Powhatan to pay yearly tribute payment to the English and confined them to reservations.

  • Virginia

    • The Algonquian Chief Powhatan controlled more than 30 smaller tribes and more than 150 settlements.
    • Powhatan's brother, a fierce warrior named Opchanacanough, became head of the Powhatan Confederacy.
    • In 1646, Opchanacanough was captured and killed while in custody, and the Powhatan Confederacy began to decline.
    • Opechancanough's successor then signed the first peace treaties between the Powhatan Indians and the English.
    • The treaties required the Powhatan to pay yearly tribute payments to the English and confined them to reservations.

  • Settling the Southern Colonies

    • Several of the Algonquian tribes were associated with the politically powerful Powhatan Confederacy.

  • Settling the Colonial South and the Chesapeake

    • Several of the Algonquian tribes were associated with the politically powerful Powhatan Confederacy.