Va Historical Hwy Markers - Stafford County - Kidnapping of Pocahontas

Virginia Historical Highway Markers

Stafford County

E 48

Kidnapping of Pocahontas

This marker is on Route 1 just north of the intersection of Route 1 with the Centrepoint Parkway, on the right side of the road heading north. Next to this marker is another marker about Marlborough. Performer Wayne Newton claims to be descended from Pocohontas. There are still Newtons here in Stafford County.

"Pocahontas" was a nickname, meaning "the naughty one" or "spoiled child". Her real name was Matoaka.

The sign reads:

Near here, Pocahontas visited friends among the Patawomecks on the Potomac River in April 1613. Capt. Samuel Argall saw an opportunity to capture Pocahontas and exchange her for English prisoners held by her father Chief Powhatan. Argall sought out Iopassus, the chief of the Indian town of Passapatanzy. After Argall made veiled threats, Iopassus obtained permission from his brother the Patawomeck district chief to aid Argall. Iopassus had one of his wives insist that Pocahontas accompany her on a tour of Argall's ship. Once aboard, Pocahontas was detained, the ship departed, and she was held captive elsewhere in the colony. During negotiations for her exchange, Pocahontas married John Rolfe in 1614.