St. Mary’s City vs. Jamestown

Essential Question:

 

Relationships with Indigenous People: Jamestown

When the English arrived in Jamestown in 1607, the local Indigenous people had mixed feelings. At first, they attacked an English ship because they remembered bad experiences with Spanish explorers from the past. However, they soon offered the English food and kindness instead.

Powhatan, the leader of a group of Chesapeake tribes, hoped to welcome the newcomers and share his food with them. The English, however, spent their time looking for gold instead of growing food. This made them rely on the local tribes more and more.

Captain John Smith traded with the local people, but he also thought the English should force them to work. Sometimes, when Smith couldn't trade for food, he just took it.

By 1609, Powhatan knew the English planned to stay. He was disappointed that they did not return the tribes’ hospitality. He said the English wanted to "invade my people, possess my country." The people of the region began attacking settlers, killing animals, and burning crops. We know of these events because they were written down by John Smith. However, we must remember that he was not a neutral observer. This means he would not always be fair to both sides.

A Closer Look: John Smith's Map

This map was made in 1612 by John Smith, one of the leaders at Jamestown, Virginia. Look closely at how he drew and described the Indigenous people. Based on what you see, what kind of relationship do you think he had with them?

Look closely at how he drew and described the Indigenous people. Use the zoom in (+) and zoom out (-) buttons to explore the map in detail. Be sure to examine the illustrations in the upper corners of the map. In the left corner, the inset illustration is captioned, "Powhatan held in this state and fashion when Captain Smith was delivered to him prisoner." In the upper right corner, the illustration of an Indigenous person is captioned "The Sasquesahanougs (Susquehannocks) are a giant-like people and thus attired (dressed)."

 

Relationships with Indigenous People in St. Mary's City

Watch the following video to learn more about the relationship between the colonists, the Piscataway people, and the Yaocomico people. The video begins by introducing Chief Wannas of the Piscataway people. Then, it explains how the settlers interacted with the Yaocomico people.

As you play the video, think about the relationships the Maryland settlers built with these groups. How were those relationships different from the ones the settlers had in Jamestown?

Conflict and Cooperation

Colonists in Jamestown and St. Mary’s City experienced both conflict and cooperation with the Indigenous people.

Sort the event descriptions to show whether each one is an example of conflict or cooperation. Drag each event into the correct column. When you are finished, check your answers to see if you are right.