Powhatan << `pow` uh TAN or pow HAT uhn >> formed a small but powerful Native American tribe of eastern North America. They controlled the Powhatan Confederacy, which once included more than 30 tribes totaling about 15,000 people. The confederacy occupied much of what is now Virginia. The chief of the Powhatan tribe headed the confederacy. A famous chief, Wahunsonacock, was also known as Powhatan. Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in North America, was made among the Powhatan.
The customs of the Powhatan resembled those of other eastern coast tribes. The Powhatan worshiped animal spirits, especially the Great Hare (creator).
In the early 1600’s, the Powhatan often clashed with the settlers, particularly under Opechancanough (see Indian wars (Colonial days)). Later, the tribe seemed to no longer exist. During the mid-1900’s, however, a revived confederacy was formed by several hundred Native Americans in Virginia and Delaware who claimed to be Powhatan.
