Biography on Pocahontas, Essay Example

Pocahontas (which means “playful one”) is the name of a legendary Native American (“Indian” as they were erroneously coined by Christopher Columbus) woman who lived from 1595 until 1617. She was the daughter of paramount Powhatan tribe chief (NPS). British settlers arrived in Jamestown in May of 1607 and growing up, Pocahontas played in the streets of Jamestown with the settlers’ children (VHS), according to the Virginia Historical Society.

Reflecting on Pocahontas’ significance in American history reveals that she was thought of as a princess by the British, due to their belief that her father was a king because he was the principal leader of their country. This was only one of many assumptions the British made about the Powhatan people because they did not speak their language and had a pagan society mentality (Tremblay). This, no doubt, led to one of the reasons Pocahontas is now famous in American history. Historic accounts tell us that Pocahontas was responsible for saving the life of Captain John Smith, who later became close to Pocahontas in a father–daughter type relationship. This led to Pocahontas acting as a peacemaker between her people and the British and was seen as an important person, which allowed her the persuasiveness to negotiate the release of Powhatan prisoners from the British (NPS).

Pocahontas’ significance in American history includes her being instrumental in the start of improved relations between the British and the Indians. This was precipitated by her marriage to John Rolfe, with her father’s consent. She also was the liaison that brought trade and food for English goods, which saved the settlers from starvation. What is also significant is that Pocahontas was captured by the British and kept as a ransom for the release of British war prisoners being held by her father, as well as weapons and baskets of corn. While in captivity, Pocahontas was taught the English language and was converted to Christianity and baptized into the Church of England under the name “Rebecca”. This is how she met John Rolfe. They had a son and moved to England in 1616, where Pocahontas became sick and passed away in 1617 (Tremblay). However, before her passing, she was known as “Lady Rebecca Rolfe” and toured England and because close to King James I and Queen Anne. Queen Anne received a letter from John Smith, praising Pocahontas and her contribution to the English in Jamestown. This was further proof of her value to the English people. History states that she was about 21-years-old when she died in the town of Gravesend, and she was buried at St. George’s Church on March 21, 1617 and her father, the chief, died in April 1618. After the death of Pocahontas and her father, relations between the British and the Indians began to deteriorate and the life of her people, the Powhatan’s, was changed, as she was an integral part of maintaining peace for them (NPS).

This is evident, even today, as the descendants of Pocahontas, the Pamunkey Indian Tribe, are just now receiving official recognition due to governmental reforms, which has been a significant boost to the Native American community. It has gained for them more legal rights, economic opportunities, social services, and cultural preservation. This comes after “decades of deliberation”, as the Pamunkey tribe has now become the first tribe to be federally recognized (Noisecat). Pocahontas has truly made a mark in American history.

Works Cited

Noisecat, Julian Brave. Pocahontas’ Descendants Get Official Recognition As Government Reforms Rules. 8 July 2015. Web. 11 July 2015. <http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/07/08/pocahontas-tribe-recognition_n_7754650.html>.

NPS. Pocahontas: Her Life and Legend. August 2010. Web. 11 July 2015. <http://www.nps.gov/jame/learn/historyculture/pocahontas-her-life-and-legend.htm>.

Tremblay, Gail. “Reflecting on Pocahontas.” Frontiers: A Journal of Women Studies 23.2 (2002): 3-4. Print.

VHS. Life Portrait of Pocahontas. n.d. Web. 11 July 2015. <http://www.vahistorical.org/collections-and-resources/virginia-history-explorer/life-portrait-pocahontas>.