5.3.1 John Smith’s Map of Virginia

Captain John Smith, an important English settler, created the first detailed map of Virginia and the Chesapeake region. Published in 1624, his map was used for over 70 years by North American explorers. Notice that there are many Indian towns named in the map. The Powhatan, the powerful Indian confederacy that controlled much of this region, worked with Smith as he traveled throughout their homeland and communicated with people who lived there. Take a closer look at the images on the edge of the map that represent natives. Based on how Natives are depicted by the English in this map, how do you think the English viewed Natives? What evidence can you provide that supports your answer?

Captain John Smith, one of the most famous English leaders in North America, created the first detailed map of Virginia and the Chesapeake region. Published in 1624, his map was used for over 70 years by North American explorers. The accuracy of Smith’s map is remarkable, considering the primitive mapmaking tools he had to work with in the 1600s. Draw your students’ attention to the fact that there are many Indian towns named in the map. The Powhatan, the powerful Indian confederacy that controlled much of this region, worked with Smith as he traveled throughout their homeland and communicated with people who lived there. Ask your students to look closely at the images on the edge of the map that represent Natives. The upper left features Chief Powhatan, and the upper right features a Native with a bow and arrow. In between are named Native settlements. The map was produced by English settlers. Ask your students to consider the following questions: Based on how Natives are depicted by the English in this map, how do you think the English viewed Natives? What evidence can you provide that supports your answer? In some ways this image could help students understand the diplomacy and the conflict areas of a native European relationship.

"VIRGINIA. THE VIRGINIAN SEA. Mallaw: Massawomeck omecks. Signification of these marks, to the crosses hath bin discovered - what beyond is by relation Kings houses Ordinary houses POWHATAN Held this state and fashion when Capt. Smith was declared to him prisoner 1607 Seale of Leagues and half Leagues. Discovered and described by Captain John Smith 1606. Graven by William Hole"