Many nations lived on the Bay long before the English came. Here is the story of the Powhatan and native peoples of the Bay.
Quick answer: In 1607 the Powhatan and native peoples of the Bay had a great chief. The English called him Chief Powhatan. He led more than 30 groups on land of about 10,000 square miles. Today seven Virginia tribes have federal rank. Maryland has state-recognized tribes too.
Contents
Chief Powhatan’s Land
His real name was Wahunsenacawh. The English called him Chief Powhatan. He ruled more than 30 groups, with nearly 15,000 people. His land ran from the James River to the Potomac. His main town stood on the York River.[1]
War and Peace
In 1609 his warriors laid siege to the English fort at Jamestown. Peace came in 1614. That year his daughter Pocahontas wed John Rolfe. Powhatan died in April 1618.[1]
Hard Times
Before the English came, the Powhatan peoples were about 12,000. By the 1700s only about 1,000 were left. Disease, war and lost land were the main causes.[2]
The Tribes Today
| Year | Recognition |
|---|---|
| 2010 | Virginia recognizes 3 more tribes |
| 2012 | Maryland recognizes the Piscataway Conoy Tribe and Piscataway Indian Nation |
| 2015 | Pamunkey get federal recognition |
| 2017 | Maryland recognizes the Accohannock Indian Tribe |
| 2018 | Six Virginia tribes get federal recognition |
Source: National Park Service.[2]
Frequently asked questions
Who was Chief Powhatan? Wahunsenacawh, who led more than 30 groups in eastern Virginia in 1607.
What was Tsenacommacah? Powhatan’s land, about 10,000 square miles from the James to the Potomac.
Which Maryland tribes are recognized? The Piscataway Conoy Tribe, the Piscataway Indian Nation and the Accohannock Indian Tribe.
References
- [1] Historic Jamestowne (Jamestown Rediscovery), Chief Powhatan – last checked 11/08/2026
- [2] National Park Service, From Contact to Present: Indigenous Chesapeake – last checked 11/08/2026
See where they lived on our Chesapeake Bay map.