Meet Patriots And Pocahontas In Historic Virginia

Families who enjoy combining time travel with living history will meet the real American patriots and Pocahontas in historic Virginia. Discover the Colonial Williamsburg – Jamestown – Yorktown area, conveniently just 2-3 hours’ drive south of Washington, DC. Easily combine American history learning with Williamsburg’s modern attractions.

Discover the “real story” of America’s first genuine heroine, Pocahontas. And in this area chock-a-block with early American history, families can walk in the footsteps of Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Patrick Henry, and many other colorful leading citizens of the 18th century.

Jamestown: Where It All Began In Historic Virginia

Contrary to some impressions, the history of America did not begin in 1620 with the Pilgrims who sailed on the Mayflower to the shores of Massachusetts. These settlers were johnny-come-latelies when compared to the founders of Jamestown who forged the first permanent English colony in North America in 1607. Virginians even lay claim to this country’s first official celebration of Thanksgiving, held nearby at Berkeley Plantation in 1619. (The same year that the first enslaved peoples arrived by ship from Africa.) The celebration usually takes place the first week of November and the day long festivities include authentic food, tours of the 1726 mansion and a living history program.

Hazards, starvation and illness plagued the early days in Jamestown. Disorganized colonists were clearly ill-prepared for their venture to the New World. Many believe that England’s settlement would have failed without the gifts of food brought by a Native American child (see Pocahontas, below) to the famished colonists.

Pocahontas In History: The Early Years

The real-life, indigenous girl enjoyed doing cartwheels nearly naked along Jamestown’s streets, amusing the settlers with her carefree antics and outgoing personality. Pocahontas, named Matoaka at birth, was given the nickname Pocahontas, meaning “playfun one” in her native language.

Within two years after arriving in Jamestown, Captain John Smith credited Pocahontas with rescuing him twice from her hostile clansman. Once, she rescued him from a possible clubbing in her father’s court. On another occasion, she saved Smith from a rumored stealth attack. The charismatic, white-skinned foreigner fascinated Pocahontas. At the time, however, she was a mere girl of 11 or 12, hardly likely to engage in the kind of romance depicted in the inane Disney film. (Unfortunately, the Walt Disney Company also missed a glorious opportunity to get the facts straight about her remarkable life and distinctive homeland.)

In 1609, Smith sailed to England without saying goodbye to his young Indian benefactress. Pocahontas would not see him again until her triumphant visit to England in 1616. By then, she had married another English settler, John Rolfe, and given birth to their child Thomas. Thomas, in turn, produced a long line of Virginians and others.

Pocahontas’ Adult Life In Virginia And England

Historians have learned a great deal about the adult Pocahontas during these important years. Pocahontas also adopted English customs and dress, converted to Christianity, and was instrumental through her marriage in creating the “Peace of Pocahontas,” a window of opportunity which allowed the English to establish a desperately needed foothold in hostile Indian territory. (The Henricus Historical Park, a recreated 1611 English settlement on the banks of the James River, commemorates these events in her life.) Visiting children can join a daylong “Camp Pocahantas” to learn more in summer.)

In England, Royalty entertained Pocahontas and received her as a “princess.” After contracting an illness in London, she died on her return voyage. Admirers buried Pocahontas in the village of Gravesend, England, at about the age of 21.

Historic Virginia Celebrates Pocahontas Today

A life-size statue of an older Pocahontas in Indian dress, with arms outstretched in peace and friendship, was placed at the entrance to the Jamestown historic area in the early 20th century. On Jamestown Island, visitors can explore the peaceful ruins of the once-bustling English settlement along the banks of the wide James River.

Today, walking and biking trails wind through quiet forests on Jamestown island. Search for historic markers and the graves of settlers whose lives were cut short by numerous hardships. The Jamestown-Scotland Ferry carries people, cars, tour buses and campers, free of charge. In summer, expect a 15 to 30 minute wait to get across the James River to the beginning of the Colonial Trail. This is the place to begin a tour of Civil War era plantations and other historic sites. Take advantage of boat ramps and scenic picnic spots to recreate. Jamestown Settlement is also home to several themed special events.

Favorite tourist attractions in this area are a museum with 16th and 17th-century English and Indian artifacts (including items believed to have belonged to Pocahontas), multimedia exhibits, and re-creations of a Powhatan Indian village, a colonial fort, and replicas of the three ships that brought the English colonists to Virginia. Ongoing archeological excavations are of the original site (Jamestown Island.) Pocahontas’s powerful father, Chief Powhatan, left a rich legacy in eastern Virginia. His descendants live in on reservations and in communities within a short drive of this area.

Colonial Williamsburg: Time Travel

The English colonists abandoned the low-lying, malaria-ridden Jamestown settlement for the relatively wholesome atmosphere of inland Williamsburg. Their life suddenly became more comfortable. Taverns, inns, shops and fine homes lined the town’s streets in the 18th century. Thomas Jefferson, among other well-to-do sons of Virginia planters, studied at Williamsburg’s College of William and Mary. Rebel colonists planted seeds of the Revolutionary War during lively discussions with new neighbors.

Thanks to the vision and great generosity of the John D. Rockefeller family in the 20th century, many of the handsome buildings of this important era were saved from destruction and were beautifully restored. Today, a visit to Colonial Williamsburg is a trip through time to one of the most charming and interesting areas in America. This is a must-see territory.

More than 500 buildings in the Historic Area are restored and now look as they did 300 years ago. Several quaint shops offer fascinating lessons and hands-on demonstrations of trades, crafts, cooking, fashion, and daily living practices of the 18th century. Costumed guides fill the immaculate hard-packed dirt streets, and the “Revolutionary City” living history show brings interwoven stories to life as visitors walk along. Savor early American cuisine in authentic 18th century taverns at lunch and in the evening. Book reservations ahead in order to dine to the accompaniment of lovely period music.

When traveling with tweens and teens, don’t miss the fascinating evening Ghost Tours that bring past characters and historic events to life.

Pocahontas In Context In Historic Virginia: Williamsburg, Yorktown And James River Plantations

Other attractions include the wonderful Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum. The highly rated 18-hole golf course is available to guests staying overnight in Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Hotels. The hotels provide a relaxing spa for adults, plus games and activities for kids.

Historic Yorktown, site of one of the most crucial battles of the American Revolution, is within minutes of Colonial Williamsburg. Don’t miss the excellent Yorktown Museum of the American Revolution. Take a free tour with NPS guides to expereince Yorktown Battlefield, part of the Colonial National Historical Park. Numerous fine James River plantations filled with exceptional 18th century furnishings. Check their website for opening hours or visitation days.

The region celebrates patriots, Pocahontas, and a rich history at every opportunity. Your family can count on an unforgettable vacation any time of year in America’s hospitable First Colony. 

Modern Day Essentials In Williamsburg, Virginia

Numerous excellent hotels and motels make Williamsburg, VA a convenient headquarters. Plan a week to see Jamestown, historic Yorktown, stately James River plantations, Indian reservations, and dozens of other attractions. Special events are staged during all major holidays and throughout the year. Thanksgiving and Christmas, for example, especially abound with colonial cheer and color. Take advantage of the numerous child-friendly activities. Check out opportunities to learn more about the contributions of African-Americans in building early America.

Sample the fun-filled 21st century attractions close by. Family activites include Water Country USA and Busch Gardens. They are frequently voted “Most Beautiful Theme Park” by the National Amusement Park Historical Association. Both open in May, however, the water park operates until early September and Busch Gardens a month longer. For a comprehensive tour kit with information on travel packages, call the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. You’ll find it packed with savings and great ideas.

Writer Suzanne Munson and her Virginia family take you behind-the-scenes at Jamestown, Yorktown, and Colonial Williamsburg to learn the true story of Pocahontas.