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 Powhatan6 days left
Server Costs Fundraiser 2024
Help our mission to provide free history education to the world! Please donate and contribute to covering our server costs in 2024. With your support, millions of people learn about history entirely for free every month.
$13827 / $18000
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.