Pocahontas Is A Famous Historical Figure Known For Forging Relationships With English Settlers, But Her Story Has Been Shrouded In Myths In Pop Culture

Pocahontas was eventually moved to the Henrico settlement, where she met explorer and farmer John Rolfe. He fell in love with her, and they were married in 1614 after getting her father’s consent, not long after another confrontation with the Powhatans.

Many viewed Pocahontas and John’s marriage as a sign of peace and called it the “Peace of Pocahontas.” Because John was a Christian, Pocahontas converted to Christianity and started going by the name Rebecca.

Not long after getting married, Pocahontas gave birth to a son named Thomas. As a family, the Rolfes spent time traveling to England, where Pocahontas dressed as an Elizabethan woman.

There are many famous portraits of her dressed in Elizabethan style. The English were fascinated by her, and she even had an audience with King James I.

Not long after boarding a ship to return to Virginia, Pocahontas fell ill with what some researchers believe was pneumonia or tuberculosis. She died in 1617 at around 22 years old.

Although her life was short-lived, Pocahontas was a remarkable woman whose story says a lot about American history.