Powhatan

= The Powhatans: A Perspective on American History = = = by Kendall Roberts and Caitlyn Taboada



**Introduction:** The Powhatans are a Native American group. Pre-1492, they lived in the region now called Chesapeake Bay. Geographical features that would have limited this group’s ability to move include: the Appalachian Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. Pre-1492, this group probably interacted with Iroquois and other Native American groups. Eventually, the Powhatans would shape American history by being the first Native American group to interact with the English colonists at Jamestown, Virginia, in 1607.

The Powhatans believe that a great spirit created the world and that a spirit was controlling the weather. They also believed there were evil spirits who brought bad luck or misfortune and good spirits who brought good luck,fortune and good health.
 * Religion (Worldview):**

About 2,500-3,000 in 2009.
 * Population in the United States:**
 * HISTORY:**

//Information about the Powhatan from this time is limited because most of our knowledge about this group comes from English colonists' observations in the 1600s.//
 * 1492: Columbus’ Arrival in the Americas**

In 1607 the Powhatans had tribes in a Chiefdom, their whole confederacy was destroyed, and they encountered with the English. In 1608, the English Captain Newport realized that if the English in the Jamestown colony didn't have the Powhatan, they would die. John Ratcliffe was invited to the new capital of Powhatans, Orapakes after sailing up to Pamunkey River to trade, a fight went on between the colonists an the Powhatans. In 1609 John Smith left Virginia to go to England and didn't return because of and injury cause by a gunpowder accident.
 * 1521: Cortes Encounters the Aztecs in Mexico**
 * 1607: English colonists arrive at Jamestown.**

In 1646 British government took control of the Powhatan's land, and in 1665 Virginia government chose the chiefs for them.
 * -1687: English Colonies Expand.**


 * -1776-1787: American Revolution; U.S. Constitution

-1802: Tlingit Battle the Russians at Sitka

-1839: The Amistad; the Trail of Tears

-1850: Fugitive Slave Law Made

-1863: The U.S. Civil War; Emancipation Proclamation

-1890: Westward Movement; Reform Movements

-2009: Today**: The state of Virginia has recognized seven Powhatan Indian-descended tribes in Virginia.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Powhatan
 * Works Cited:**