GLOUCESTER, Va. – The site where archaeologists and historians believe Pocahontas rescued English Capt. John Smith from death will be preserved under a new agreement.
But Native Americans say that event is just a footnote for the 57-acre site in Tidewater Virginia. They say the real story is that it was the center of a complex, sprawling empire ruled by Pocahontas' father, Chief Powhatan (pow-ah-'TAN)
Chief Kevin Brown of the local Pamunkey tribe says it's important to note that Virginia's history didn't begin with the first permanent English settlement in 1607.
After decades of research with colonial writing, ancient maps and detective work, archaeologists concluded with near-certainty that this was Powhatan's seat of power about 15 miles from the Jamestown colony.
The private land will be protected from development under a state easement.
The hottest stories ripped from the headlines, from crime to courts, legal and scandal.
