The Anglo-Powhatan Wars were three conflicts between the settlers of the Colony of Virginia and the Powhatan People of Tsenacommacah during the early 17th century. Click here for a 16-minute video about the wars posted on October 4, 2024 by Historical Place.

The first conflict started in 1609 and concluded with a peace agreement in 1614. Capt. John Smith sustained injuries from an accidental  gunpowder explosion and departed for England for medical care on  October 4, 1609.The second conflict occurred from 1622 until 1632. The third conflict transpired from 1644 to 1646, concluding with the capture and death of Opechancanough. The conflict established a delineated border between Indigenous territories and colonial areas, which could only be traversed for official purposes with a specific permit.

(Above) Jamestown Governor Sir Thomas Gates, Thomas West, 3rd Baron De La Warr, and Opechancanough are depicted in portraits at the time.

This scenario persisted until 1677 with the Treaty of Middle Plantation, which established Indian reserves after Bacon’s Rebellion, an armed rebellion by Virginia settlers that took place from 1676 to 1677 led by Nathaniel Bacon.