The relationship between the Virginia natives and …
Years: 1610 - 1610
February
The relationship between the Virginia natives and the colonists will become more strained during the next several years, but never more so than during the period of poor crops for both the natives and colonists which becomes known as the Starving Time in late 1609 and early 1610.
Faced with impending disaster, the colony has attempted numerous attempts to break the Powhatan siege with armed foraging expeditions, diplomatic expeditions, and trading expeditions.
All attempts have been beaten back by the Powhatans, with most of the expedition personnel captured or killed.
The Powhatans' campaign kills all but sixty of the two hundred colonists during the winter of 1609–1610.
There are few records of the hardships the colonists experience in Virginia during this winter.
Arms and valuable work tools are traded to the Powhatans for a pittance in food.
Houses are used as firewood.
Archaeologists have found evidence that the colonists ate cats, dogs, horses, and rats.
At least three respected authorities in early 2007 concluded, based on some credible evidence, that the starvation conditions were so severe that corpses were dug up, and human flesh was eaten.
A scientist has suggested another sinister possibility: arsenic poisoning.
Chief Powhatan meanwhile has relocated his principal capital from Werowocomoco, which is relatively close to Jamestown along the north shore of the York River, to a point more inland and secure along the upper reaches of the Chickahominy River.
Locations
People
Groups
- Powhatan (Amerind tribe)
- London Company, The (also called the Virginia Company of London)
- Virginia (English Colony)
