Definition
Powhatan refers to both a Native American tribe and a powerful chiefdom that existed in the coastal region of present-day Virginia. The Powhatan chiefdom consisted of numerous Algonquian-speaking tribes united under a single leader, Chief Powhatan. They were skilled farmers, hunters, and fishermen who thrived in their environment. Think of them as a well-organized political and social entity. They had significant interactions with the early English settlers at Jamestown. The Powhatan played a crucial role in shaping the early history of colonial America. Their legacy continues to be remembered through historical records and place names.