Pocahontas saved Captain John Smith from death and subsequently eased tensions between American Indians and the new European settlers. Although she only lived to her early 20s, she has been remembered in American legend ever since. Born around 1595, Pocahontas was the daughter of Powhatan, a powerful chief of the Algonquin tribe in the territory of present-day Virginia. After Captain John Smith landed with other European settlers at Jamestown in the spring of 1607, Smith was captured by the Algonquin tribe and threatened with death. Rushing forward and placing herself between Smith and his would-be executioner, young Pocahontas pleaded for the captain's life. Her wish was granted and a friendship developed. After relations between the Algonquin and settlers had improved, Pocahontas was married to Englishman John Rolfe. The marriage helped to calm tensions between settlers and the Algonquin. In 1616, she made a journey to England by ship with her husband and their young son. Pocahontas was presented to King James I and to the royal family. While there she met Captain Smith, whom she had believed dead for many years. Tragically, Pocahontas contracted a fatal disease on the trip home and died in March 1617. She was buried in Gravesend, England. __
