A Brief History
On April 5, 1614, a milestone in European and Native American relations was reached when John Rolfe, English colonist, married Pocahontas, Native American princess!
Digging Deeper
The English colony of Jamestown, Virginia was the location of one of American history’s most famous marriages.
Pocahontas was the daughter of Chief Powhatan, a sort of chief of chiefs in the eastern Virginia area. In 1607, English prisoner of the local Native Americans, John Smith, was to be executed by having his head smashed with a club by Powhatan himself.
Pocahontas famously (allegedly) laid her head on Smith’s head to prevent the execution and Powhatan spared Smith’s life.
This legend has led to some misunderstanding about Pocahontas and Captain Smith, as they were not lovers and were not later married. Even the song, “Fever” (made popular by Peggy Lee and later by Elvis Presley, and also The McCoys) mistakenly says that “Captain Smith and Pocahontas, had a very mad affair!”
Pocahontas was captured by the English settlers, as apparently a lot of capturing went on in those days, and even when she had the chance to be returned stayed with her new English friends. Pocahontas became a Christian and took the English name, Rebecca, and in 1614 married John Rolfe, a tobacco farmer. ( Tobacco was the cash crop in Virginia, so much so that not enough farmers planted food crops and hunger was rampant!)
After bearing John Rolfe a son in 1615, the former Indian princess went to England with her husband and was the toast of the town. John Smith had advised the Queen that Pocahontas should be well treated as an honored guest because of her conversion to Christianity and the good impression it would leave on other Native Americans.
After a year in England the Rolfes were going to sail back to Virginia, but after only sailing partway down the Thames River Pocahontas/Rebecca became extremely ill.
Stopping at Gravesend (how appropriate!) the deathly ill Pocahontas died of an unknown illness at age 22!
Several states remember Pocahontas with cities or counties named after her, and 4 US Navy ships have borne her name. Schools, parks, privately owned properties and other places and things bear her name. Speaking of name, Pocahontas is just one of a few ways her name has been described, along with others such as Matoika, Matoaka, and Amonute.
Cracked fact: Pocahontas may have been married at the time of her capture, to a fellow Native American who was killed in the fighting going on at that time. Cracked fact #2: Although usually referred to as a princess, the Native Americans did not actually consider her a princess even though she was the daughter of the chief or king. The English called her princess to get the most positive publicity out of her conversion to Christianity! Question for students (and subscribers): Do you have any places or things named after Pocahontas near you? Please let us know in the comments section below this article.
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Historical Evidence
For more information, please see…
Boyer, Dawn D. Descendants of Pocahontas & John Rolfe: Of Virginia and North Carolina. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2012.
Robertson, Wyndham. Pocahontas, Alias Matoaka, and Her Descendants Through Her Marriage at Jamestown, Virginia, in April, 1614, With John Rolfe, Gentleman (Classic Reprint). Forgotten Books, 2012.
<span class="dsq-postid" data-dsqidentifier="1677 http://www.crackedhistory.com/?p=1677">131 Comments
I am not sure but there probably is something somewhere in Ohio named after Pocahontas. Seems too good of a story for there not be something somewhere.
I wonder how confused Pocahontas must have been when she was in England.
What could have made Pocahontas want to save John Smith’s life?
So why is Smith portrayed to have been together with Pocahontas? Disney?
In reading this, I learned a lot of information that I had not known before. The most interesting fact was that Pocahontas had changed her name when she moved to England. I have heard that she didn’t really have a loving relationship with John Smith, but that’s what I had heard as a kid watching the Disney movies. Why did she put her life on the line to save him if they had no relationship?
There is not really a place in Ohio that I know of that is named after Pocahontas but I’m sure there is a place around. Also when I was reading this article, it reminded me of the Disney movie.
Can you sing with all the voices of the mountain? Can you paint with all the colors of the wind?
Very interesting article that really contradicts the disney movie we all grew up loving! I never knew she moved to England and married someone else or changed her name.
Its all in the details. The things you learn in history class just gloss over the facts and analysis that really go on in the past. I know every bit of history cannot be taught but it should at least be accurate. The more I think about it; Is it the history that is learned wrong or is it movies and media?
I was honestly very surprised that Pocahontas actually exists. I always thought it was just a made up character from a Disney movie. It seems like back then interracial couples weren’t viewed as bad as if she did not convert to Christianity.
I was under the assumption that Pocahontas married John Smit. Disney movies always screw up history.
It really makes the marriage seem legitimate when she was paraded all around England for her conversion to Christianity. I wonder what would have happened to her if she had decided not to convert, and if it was a deliberate attempt to stay alive. It is always interesting to see how historical facts get all jumbled up through the media and time, with the end result distorting the initial story. Thanks Disney!
I wonder how her people felt about her conversion…
This is very interesting i always thought she married john smith i didnt know that was not true.
I wonder if she really did want to stay with the settlers or if that’s just how they wrote it to make their actions seem less terrible
it is crazy that she didn’t marry or stay with john smith , never understood that one .
her true story is definitely different than what I thought it was
Very interesting. Many people do not know the real story of Pocahontas. Probably because of the Disney movie.
Interesting, always thought she married John Smith
I have to say I did not know that much about Pocahontas. Although she is my favorite Disney Princess..haha. It’s really sad that she died so young, even though back then 35 was considered really old. Unfortunately there are no places that I’m aware of in my hometown that are named after her. She was a brave young woman, and definitely deserves the recognition that she gets.
Dear Hannah,
How is the weather by you? We had quite a bit of snow out here in Ashland today and I am curious if you think Kent might cancel our morning classes tomorrow?
Thanks!
Dr. Zarzeczny
Well as of now we have about 4.5 inches of snow, and still counting lol. The roads were really slushy all day and with the temperature going to drop it’ll probably freeze. So hopefully for the sake of safety Kent cancels classes or the city and state better make sure that the roads are safe!
Dear Hannah, Just about everyone in Northeast Ohio but us were cancelled today. Over 800 cancellations per http://www.wkyc.com/closings/ so it will be interesting to see how attendance is. Sincerely, Dr. Zarzeczny
I honestly have no idea if any places are named after Pocahontas nearby. I do however know that my daughter is a huge fan of Pocahontas! — DAVID WARDLE
I don’t think that there are any things or places near me named after Pocahontas. I do remember there being a Disney movie called Pocahontas when our boys were younger. That was one we didn’t watch.
I love true stories that break the misconceptions we were taught in grade school. Haha. Sadly, I have not heard of any places named after Pocahontas nor the other variations either. Did her child end up living?
Very young, yet had a pretty interesting life and made history. Pretty cool
I always find it interesting to hear the real story of Pocahontas. I did a report about the movie vs real life for a history class my freshman year.
I never really thought that the story of Pocahontas was made up. Maybe a little bit. It makes sense though.
Interesting to hear the real story of her.. Not sure if I know any places named after her though. Seems like she died so young.
Well that’s a little different story from what I Remember watching haha.
It’s funny how different the actual story is compared to what we learned in Elementary school and from Disney.
Apparently Disney did not exactly tell the story of Pocahontas as accurately as I had always thought.
I prefer Disney’s portrayal of events. Much happier ending.
I was not aware that she and Rolfe were the parents of a child. Strange that there is not mention of the child’s name or gender.
I can now see why Disney decided to change the story.
Disney, you have failed me for the last time!
Next you’re going to tell me that John Smith didn’t sound like Mel Gibson.
Married happily ever after; until Pocahontas dies of an unknown disease at 22, and Rolfe is killed by raiding Indians. Such a sweet love story.
N.W.
Despite the misconception of Pocahontas saving John Smith, leading to a love affair, I now understand why the story was told differently. I do, however, find it interesting that Pocahontas and John Rolfe thought that simply because they wed, the native Indians would not kill Rolfe.
HD
I never knew the real story of Pocahontas, so its cool learning this especially after knowing her because of Disney. I didn’t know the story was real or what had happened, I find that really interesting.
AM
No, I don’t have anything around me named after Pocahontas. After learning the real story of Pocahontas, I’m surprised Disney even decided to make a movie about her life considering how much they needed to change it to make it a happy ending.
I find it quite funny that John Smith was saved by Pocahontas, which they were originaly supposed to get married. But then, she did not even end up marrying Smith. It is an ironic event that i would expect in some type of chick flick that is starring on Netflix.
I just watched the Disney movie, Pocahontas, and it has a much different plot than what actually occurred. I never knew she became a Christian and changed her name. That is so cool. I also find it weird that she died at the age of 22 because I am 20 and I couldn’t imagine having a son, being married already and then dying so young.
I must admit, I’m a little disappointed to find out that Pocahontas didn’t marry John Smith. Disney had me rooting for them! I think it is really cool, though, how popular she became for converting to Christianity and how praised she became. Even though her love for John Smith didn’t pan out how I always thought, her story is certainly more interesting than Disney made it out to be.
Until recently I honestly never knew the whole story about Pocahontas. She seemed to have been very progressive for that time. The story is definitely more interesting than any movie Disney could have made.
I had forgotten that she had taken an English name, but it’s very sad that she died at only 22. GW
I wish she would of been with John Smith instead, that would be a great story (to have saved him and then they fall madly in love). Also, I never knew she changed her name, that is interesting. This makes me want to go back and watch the Disney movies and see how accurate they actually were.
The Disney movie left out some important events and made the situation seem like a wonderful love story. I understand why Disney changed the story line, but I think if a movie is based on real life people, the events should be accurate. There were some interesting facts that I did not know, such as Pocahontas changing her name and becoming a Christian. This was a good read.
I didn’t know that Pocahontas was captured by the English settlers. I also didn’t know that she had changed her name to Rebecca when she was captured.
I had always thought that Pocahontas was married to John Smith. She was very brave by leaving her culture to become something for herself and doing as she please, even if that meant disappointing her family, tribe and most importantly her father who was the Chief! In today’s society, that may be accepted, but I can only imagine the hardships that came with her decisions in the world during her time.
knowing that Pocahontas was captured and changed her name to Rebecca is a very interesting fact. It would be even better if we knew what she died from.
I thought it was funny that a popular song made mistake of the marriage. It shows how a small mistake in thinking can cause false information to be spread throughout the nations.
Although Disney did eventually bring in John Rolfe, we truly did not get the full story about her (not to mention that Disney made her older in the films as well). Guess she did’t get her happily ever after either.
it is funny seeing the massive differences that there truly are from what most people learned for the Disney movie as a kid, such as her kidnapping or how she changed her name
Disney turned a classic true story into a story of fiction. People loved the movie but it’s a shame they will always think of the wrong things when it comes to the actual story of Pocahontas.
I am shocked to read the true facts of Pocahontas’ life. Previously mentioned in the article many had the idea of Pocahontas and John Smith being the two in love. I wonder how that became the story over her true marriage with Rolfe? In addition, I find Pochahontas to be a fascinating person.
I loved this Disney movie a lot! It’s kinda sad learning about how different it really was. Really wasn’t the pretty picture that the movie had portrayed.
I think it is interesting that Pocahontas was basically just a publicity stunt to get more people to move to the new colonies.
I think that it’s strange that movies, including Disney would portray it in a different light. The real truth always seems to be uglier.
I think it is interesting on how Disney can make a movie and portray her as something different than just trying to get more people to move to the colonies.
I find it interesting that Pocahontas would choose to stay
with her captors and even decide to marry one of them instead of returning to
her people when she had the chance.
The relationship between colonists and the natives is a fascinating one, it’s almost a love hate relationship to the extreme
I feel like my whole childhood was a lie now! What do you mean she didn’t marry John Smith? Truthfully I think it is neat that she has been honored by having many things named after her but wonder if it is only because of her conversion to Christianity that any of this happened.
So another story that was changed to make a better story. That is why you must always look at what the people who are telling the story seem to gain by changing the facts.
Crazy that she would put her head there for that man. That is some true sacrifice. Her name became pretty famous which is also cool.
They flipped the story around to much. Learning what happened when we read it as a kid to the actually truth that really occured between them. Maybe it seems like the real truth would cause more problems.
It’s fascinating to see that some of our history is changed simply because of how it sounds. So now we feel like it was a lie and it makes us wonder what else has been changed. Hmmm…
Preople really like to change facts to make them sound better lol
Having grown up watching the Disney movie Pocahontas and now reading this, I never knew how far off it really was from what really happened. It’s sad that she died at such a young age.
It kind of surprises me that their marriage was allowed. I expected the first interracial couple to face some harder opposition based upon how segregated our country was even hundreds of years after that. I suppose that they felt there was something to gain from allowing the “princess” to convert to Christianity and marry a colonist.
I find it interesting that she put herself at risk by trying to prevent the execution of that man.
pretty interesting she stayed with the English, they probably had a way better living environment.
You would expect for the first interracial marriage to face some harder obstacles. Such a different story from the original
Sad that she died at such a young age.
The Disney movie Pocahontas, doesn’t seem to add up to what really happened. The fact that she died at such a young age is truly upsetting.
Love how the English settlers basically valued tobacco over actual food back then too.
would have assumed a more harsh, or different occurrence back in the day when it came to interracial marriage.
It seems like it would have been much more consequences however still sad
Upset that the disney version of this is different and that she dies young, it’s really sad.
I never realized how young she was when she died. It would be very interesting to know what, if anything, would have been different in terms of Native and English relations had she made it back to America.
It is interesting to read the real story of Pocahontas, especially how young of an age she died at. I have always automatically thought of the Disney movie when thinking about her life.
I was initially surprised that an interracial marriage had that much support in the 1600s; however, it now makes sense that the English wanted to show other Native Americans that great relationships can be built between different cultures. Her conversion to Christianity also seemed to help with enhancing her image to the English.
This may have been an “interracial marriage”, but there was no real sharing of cultures. I bet that after she converted to Christianity she probably stopped doing any traditions or rituals from her Native American heritage.
I was surprised to learn that Pocahontas was only 22 years old when she passed away. It is admirable that people still recognize her name in the 21st century having only lived 22 years. This goes to show what a big deal it was that a Native American married an English man.
This story of Pocahontas was surprisingly different than what I expected. It corrects many of the misconceptions people, including myself, have of who Pocahontas was and the history of her and John Smith’s story. I was surprised to find out that she left her homeland and family, converted to Christianity, traveled to England, and was possible married twice all before the age of 22. However, you can tell how important her marriage and conversion to Christianity was to the English people as many things are still named after her.
The real story of Pocahontas is not as glamorous as the one we were told when we were children. This story makes more sense. Since everything for the English was about good publicity in that time it does not surprise me that John Rolfe amped up Pocahontas’s status to his people. The embellishments of the story only make sense for the oral tradition of the time and the keeping of the pride of the people.
Pocahontas died at such a young age it is hard to believe she gets as much recognition as she does for living such a short period of time. Her conversation to Christianity was a stepping stone for todays way of life and she is still relevant in todays life because Disney made a movie about her and interracial marriage/ race is becoming a hot topic in the USA today.
While I think that the stories of Pocahontas were definitely embellished, I still think she is pretty courageous. It must have taken a lot to embrace a new culture and new religion, even her going to London with her husband must have taken some guts. Plus, she was so young too. I think that she is remembered as a hero because of her willingness to be open to new understandings of people. We could use a lot more of that in the present day.
Before reading this, I was not absolutely positive why Pocahontas was such a household name. But after marrying John Rolfe and becoming a Christian, she was held in high regard. It makes sense how important this relationship was. More than just a marriage between Rolfe and Pocahontas, it was a marriage between the English and Native Americans. Relationship meant everything when colonizing in North America.
I wonder if Pocahontas was pressured to the point of death to convert to Christianity? I mean Native Americans believed in their own religion and ideals, but for Pocahontas to switch religions so suddenly and at such a young age is curious. It seemed important for the English to present themselves in a positive light as well to their guest Pocahontas.
After reading the real story of Pocahontas and having grown up with the Disney movie, I feel like my childhood was a lie! Her story is really interesting though parts of it I did not expect. I never thought that marrying someone from another race in the early 1600s was approved, but her story is a great example for today’s society! Also, I would never expect her to change her name and religion; I always thought she would support her routes till the end. Her early death is sad and part of me wonders what would have happened is she made it back to Virginia.
Who knew the real story of Pocahontas is so sad! It seems that her story was only used by the English as a means for positive publicity. It’s common knowledge that the English drove the Indians of their land, killed them, raped their women, and brought them deadly new diseases they had never before encountered. It’s no wonder the English needed a story that romtanticized the life of an Indian woman taken from the wilderness by the English to become a Christian woman. Their tactic most definitely worked as we all grew up with the Disney movie of her life which is really in no way a accurate representation of what Pocahontas went through.
I am sure that it took a great deal of courage for Pocahontas to lay her head on John Smith’s head to save him from execution. Had she not been the daughter of the chief of the tribe I do not believe that action would have gone over too well with the other members of the tribe. For dying so young, at age 22, she had an eventful life. Her crossing a social boundary and marrying a man of a different background was a commendable action, and I believe many people found inspiration in her bravery.
I never knew that Pocahontas went to England, and was treated as such a celebrity there. I imagine that she was considered a bit of an oddity, as I’m sure none of the English had ever seen a Native American before. I wonder if Pocahontas marrying into the English culture did anything to improve relations between the two groups, although judging by the next 300 years of history, it probably did not.
This shows a lot of bravery that Pocahontas had. The fact that she put her own head on a man that was about to have a club to his head is inspiring. By inspiring i mean she was willing to put her life on the line just to save another human’s life. In addition, since she did not want to return home when she had a chance shows bravery, because she was willing to stay on the path she was on and not run back to her family. That takes some courage to do especially since she was living on the other side of the world.
I knew Pocahontas died at an early age due to an illness but I didn’t know it was at 22. What a short life so it’s surprising that her legacy continues to live so strong even in the modern century (even if is in an historically inaccurate Disney movie). It just shows how impactful a message can be when it involves culture and religion. In addition, I wonder how our modern perceptions of her would change if she survived and lived a full life. Maybe she would have changed race relations with the Natives for the next 100 years. We would never know but it is interesting to think about.
I still remember the children’s Disney movie of Pocahontas, I am surprised she left for England I never would have guessed that and the fact she was married already but married again to an English guy, interesting…
I have never heard the story of Pocahontas before. This article showed me that she had a lot of courage to do the things she did. First, by laying her head on anothers to save a mans life, then by marrying an american settler and becoming christian. I think it is amazing that she also had the courage to move to England.
Pocahontas’ courageous act of laying her head on John Smith’s to spare his life is admirable and brave. I never knew that she had died at such a young age, yet her name and story are still recognized by many. She seemed to have been an incredible and driven young lady. To marry an American settler and become Christian was unheard of for a native to do. She is in inspiration and I can understand why her story is still being told today.
This was the first time I had heard the story of Pocahontas, and what I took away from her life was she died at a very young age. Which I wouldn’t have thought she had died that young and also the courage she had. Such as saving Smith’s life by putting her head over his.
Because of her experience and amazing story, she has had many cities, boats and so on named after her. I think this shows that she was a well respected young adult during her years.
Disney has betrayed me! I had believed Pocahontas married John Snow! It goes to show you should not rely on cartoons for your history lessons.
After reading this article I am curious whether the first interracial marriage was done out of true love or for the publicity.
I did not know that Pocahontas died at such a young age. I thought it was fascinating that 4 Navy ships her also named after her! pretty cool.
Its crazy to see how brave Pocahontas was! To save the life of a man being executed is truly unbelievable. It is also crazy to see how short the life expectancy was and how many illnesses were unknown.
When I visited family in Williamsburg, VA, I noticed a major road named “Pocahontas Way.” Even if Pocahontas did not love John Smith, she can still be a positive role model. What she did for Smith was still extraordinary. Her marriage to Rolfe seems odd though. Perhaps his status in Virginia, and her conversion, would allow her to safely and freely live in her native region.
I’ve always just said Pocahontas jokingly, its interesting to see the historical context about her I respect her greatly after reading everything she did to save that mans life.
interesting to know that Pocahontas died at such a young age. And honestly all I knew about her was from watching the Disney movie version.
It’s amazing to find out how brave Pocahontas was. Good thing it was her dad on the other side of the club!
It was interesting to find out a little more about Pocahontas. All I ever knew was what I learned from the Disney movie as well.
The second Disney Pocahontas movie makes more sense now that I know more about her life. If she died when she was 22 years old, how old was she when she originally married the other Native American?
Truly amazing what they were doing at the time. Considering the amount of controversy that revolved around this topic during the mid-late 1800’s and the early to mid 1900’s.
I never knew Pocahontas lived in England or that she died at the young age of 22.
cracked sound like one of those off the wall names in the last few topics. Lol pochahontas , sounds like a princess name she deserves to be treated like royalty, not too many indian culture get the spotlight.
Mind blowing that the first interracial marriage in American colonies never even really happened. I give her credit for trying to stand up to her father for Smith. I was also glad to see she was treated as a princess in the places she traveled through life.
It’s nice knowing that not all Disney movies are just completely made up! Pocahontas deserves a lot of credit for how brave she was!
Although she died at the ripful age of 22, she still got to experience a lot than some would see in a life time. I had learned about her in the past but I didn’t know that she was one half of the first interracial marriage.
Growing up I watching Disney movies all the time. I was a big fan of Pocahontas because she was a lot different then all the other princesses. She was a Native American.
I’ve heard many stories about Pocahontas and how she went to England and died very young, but I never knew she was part of the first interracial marriage.
It’s crazy how distorted the facts of her life became throughout the years. She didn’t marry the John that she allegedly saved and she died young in England. I never learned that when learning about Pocahontas.
There was so much controversy about whites marrying African Americans and yet it was okay back then to marry a Native American.
For as long as I could remember I have heard the “story” of Pocahontas. I had no idea there were so many variations of what her story actually was.
so, John would have been the chief of that tribe. why didn’t he do that. that would be an interesting title, ” John Rolfe, European explorer, American colonist, married-in Indian chief.” my great grand father was Indian. I love this part of history. It is interesting to learn the begginings of the greatest nation. All past events, both good, and bad, come together to shape what we are now. It’s important to learn the bad parts of our history just as much as the good. So we can teach future generations not to make the same mistakes of the past. so we continue to grow as a nation and not revert back to old idiocies.
She took a very big risk transferring cultures.
It is interesting how Disney created movies based off of historic events, but conveniently leave out the actual facts, like the fighting (and killing) between the settlers and the natives. Also I didn’t realize that there wasn’t a discrepancy on Pocahontas name
No, but I live in Cuyahoga Falls! Lots of Native American history here!
I really enjoyed reading this and knowing a lot more about the native Americans.
There is nothing named after Pocahontas near me but she is one of my favorite Disney “princesses.”
I never knew Pocahontas converted to Christianity, or moved to England. Disney made her out to be madly in love with John Smith, so I thought it was weird she ended up marrying some other guy with the same first name (John Rolfe).
I hate that Disney ruins Pocahontas only takes bits and pieces away for the movie.
I never knew that Pocahontas adopted Christianity or that she got an English name, Rebecca, either.
I never knew anything about Pocahontas besides the movies, so its cool to read the real story.