Likely Virginia site of complex Indian empire, Pocahontas' rescue preserved under agreement
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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.
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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.