VA-E12 Capt. John Smith Captured

Marker text: CAPT. JOHN SMITH CAPTURED

In Dec. 1607, while exploring the headwaters of the nearby Chickahominy River, Capt. John Smith and his party were captured by a hunting party consisting of members of the Paspaheghs, Chickahominies, Youghtanunds, Pamunkeys, Mattaponis, and Chiskiacks. Smith was taken to Rasaweck, a hunting camp and became friendly with Chief Powhatan's brother Opechancanough. During this time, Smith first met Chief Powhatan, the leader of the Virginia Indians in this region, at Werowocomoco, on the York River. A formal alliance was made between them. Smith returned to Jamestown early in Jan. 1608.

Department of Historic Resources, 2002