Wahunsenacah, also known as Chief Powhatan (l. c. 1547 - c. 1618) was the head of the Powhatan Confederacy of Native Americans who inhabited the region of the modern-day State of Virginia, USA, which they knew by the name of Tsenacommacah (densely populated land).
More about: Chief Powhatan17th Anniversary Fundraiser
Celebrate our 17th anniversary with an anniversary gift to support free history education around the world!
$2147 / $5000
Definition
Timeline
-
c. 1547 - c. 1618Life of Wahunsenacah, Chief Powhatan, leader of the Powhatan Confederacy of Tsenacommacah (modern-day Virginia, USA).
-
1607The English establish Jamestown in Wahunsenacah's territory.
-
1609Relations between the English immigrants and native Powhatans deteriorate.
-
1610 - 1614Wahunsenacah launches and directs the First Powhatan War in an effort to drive the English from his land.
-
1614John Rolfe marries Pocahontas; union ends the First Powhatan War.
-
1614 - 1622Peace of Pocahontas between English colonists and Powhatans; established by the marriage of Pocahontas and John Rolfe.
-
c. 1617Wahunsenacah steps down as chief of the Powhatan Confederacy; succeeded by his half-brother Opchanacanough.
-
c. 1618Death of Wahunsenacah.
-
22 Mar 1622The "Indian Massacre" of the Jamestown colony when the Powhatan Confederacy fights for their land; over 300 colonists killed.
