Merian, M. Jamestown Massacre of 1622. 1628, Engraving.

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     In 1645, during the Third Anglo-Powhatan War, Tangier Island served as a place of captivity for Native Americans transported there and abandoned, without provision. But hostilities between the Virginians and Powhatans began decades before—just two years after arrival of the English in Jamestown. Caused by disputes over land and food, the First Anglo-Powhatan War in 1609 initiated a pattern of English expansion that led to further wars. English dominance advanced settlements in the New World but shattered the Native American population. 

     The first war ended in 1614 when Chief Powhatan’s daughter Pocahontas was taken prisoner. Her conversion to Christianity and subsequent marriage to Englishman John Rolfe empowered a peace treaty that proved temporary. 

     The Jamestown-York Foundation reports that on March 22, 1622, Powhatan warriors, led by Chief Opechancanough (youngest brother of former Chief Powhatan), launched surprise coordinated attacks on the English settlements along the James River in Virginia. The warriors first appeared at the settlers’ homes and fields as if to trade, but soon attacked killing men, women, and children.

     The main Jamestown fort was saved from the attack thanks to a warning from a converted Powhatan Indian who worked for a settler named Richard Pace. Pace was alerted to the plan and paddled across the James River to warn the main settlement.  While Jamestown was spared, the attacks killed 347 colonists, roughly a third of the colony’s population.  Around 20 women were captured during the assault. 

     Tree-ring studies support that the massacre occurred as the region was enduring devastating drought years, exacerbating food shortages and increasing tensions. The colonists failed to heed warnings from the Powhatans to halt encroachment on their lands and depletion of their resources. The Massacre at Jamestown was a turning point in relations, initiating the Second Anglo-Powhatan War which lasted until 1632 when, without resolution, both sides agreed to a truce and peace ensued for a short time. 

     But the English continued expansion into Powhatan territory giving rise to the Third Anglo-Powhatan War in 1644 which began with surprise coordinated attacks on the English. Chief Opechancanough, near 100 years of age and unable to walk, led the attack. His warriors carried him on a litter. Between 400 to 500 Virginians were killed, representing nearly ten percent of the colony. 

     Once colonists were able to regroup, they retaliated by destroying crops, burning buildings, and killing or capturing Powhatans and their allies. On August 9, 1945, the Virginia Council decided to transport all male prisoners more than eleven years of age to Tangier Island without provisions “to prevent their returning to and strengthening their respective tribes.” It is presumed they starved to death, but nobody knows for certain. 

Fighting continued until 1646 when Chief Opechancanough was captured and transported to Jamestown. During captivity, one of the guards shot him in the back leading to his death. His successor, Chief Necotowance, signed a peace treaty with Virginia ending the war. As part of the treaty, the Powhatans were confined to reservations and each tribe required to pay an annual fee of 20 fur pelts. 

Sources: Tangier History Museum; Jamestown York Foundation.