Opechancanough | A Brief Biography

Summary

Opi Kan Canoe, brother of paramount chief Powhatan, was a significant figure in the Powhatan Confederacy. As a paramount chief himself from 1628 to 1646, he played a crucial role in the early years of Jamestown, notably organizing John Smith's capture in 1608. He led a surprise attack on English settlements in 1622, killing 347 people, and was central to the Powhatan's efforts to reclaim land and assert dominance. Despite facing English retaliation and eventual decline, his strategic acumen and leadership made him a formidable opponent and an enduring symbol of resistance and unity for the Powhatan people.

Takeaways

• 👑 Opie Canoe was the brother of Paramount Chief Powhatan and a significant figure in the Powhatan people's history.
• 🌐 In Powhatan society, power was matrilineally inherited, with Powhatan's eldest brother Opichepam next in line for leadership.
• 🤝 Opie Canoe had a complex relationship with the English, including organizing John Smith's capture and later gifting him a shooting glove.
• 🏰 Paramount Chief Powhatan moved his capital multiple times, eventually settling near Opie Canoe's territory for strategic reasons.
• 📉 Powhatan's power began to decline around 1614, while Opie Canoe's influence grew as he became a unifying figure against English encroachment.
• 🔥 In 1622, Opie Canoe led a surprise attack on English settlements, killing 347 people and temporarily pushing back the English.
• 🥶 A 1623 meeting between Opie Canoe and the English turned deadly when the English poisoned the Powhatan's drinks, an event that further escalated tensions.
• 🏞️ By the 1640s, native populations were in decline due to disease, conflict, and land loss, leading to the disappearance of some tribes.
• 🛡️ In 1644, Opie Canoe, in his 90s, organized a final show of strength against the English, capturing some but ultimately failing to halt their advance.
• ⚰️ Opie Canoe was captured in 1646, made a spectacle in Jamestown, and was eventually killed, marking the end of his resistance.
• 🏛️ The legacy of Opie Canoe is significant for modern tribes as a symbol of strength, courage, and leadership in the face of colonialism.

Q & A

Who was Opitchapam and how was he related to Powhatan?

Opitchapam, also known as Opie Canoe, was the brother of Paramount Chief Powhatan. In Powhatan society, authority passed matrilineally, and Opitchapam was next in line after Powhatan and his eldest brother to potentially inherit the leadership.

How did the order of succession work in Powhatan society?

In Powhatan society, the order of succession was matrilineal, meaning it passed through the mother's line. Paramount Chief Powhatan would be succeeded by his eldest brother, followed by his other brothers, and then by his sisters and their children.

What was Opitchapam's role in the capture of John Smith?

Opitchapam played a significant role in the early Jamestown story by organizing John Smith's capture in 1608 and taking him to Paramount Chief Powhatan, which initiated an interesting relationship between Smith, the English, and the Powhatan people.

Why did Paramount Chief Powhatan move his capital?

Paramount Chief Powhatan moved his capital due to rising tensions with the English and the need to establish himself near a river for easier access by canoe. He first moved from Wakomaco to Oropax in 1609 and then to Matchut near Opitchapam at Youghtin in 1614.

What was the impact of the English expansion on Powhatan's power?

The English expansion efforts around 1614 led to a decline in Paramount Chief Powhatan's power. By 1616, he had withdrawn from public affairs, and his brother Opitchapam's influence began to rise as he was seen as a leader capable of commanding all the people.

What was the significance of the attack on English settlements in 1622?

The attack on English settlements in 1622, led by Opitchapam, was significant as it aimed to assert dominance, reclaim stolen land, and re-establish boundaries. It resulted in the killing of 347 English people and forced the English to retreat to fortified settlements.

How did Opitchapam survive the English poisoning attempt in 1623?

Despite being poisoned and shot during the English's revenge plot in 1623, Opitchapam, along with his brother Apachypham, survived the attack. They were assumed dead by the English but managed to recover.

What was the outcome of the 1644 attack led by Opitchapam?

The 1644 attack led by Opitchapam resulted in the capture of some English captives, but it also led to many groups leaving their lands entirely and moving away. The remaining tribes faced relentless raids by the English.

How did Opitchapam's life end?

Opitchapam was captured by Governor Berkeley in 1646, taken to Jamestown, and thrown in prison where he was made a spectacle. He was eventually shot in the back by a guard and killed.

Why is Opitchapam considered an important figure in history?

Opitchapam is considered important due to his role as a paramount chief and his efforts to unite the tribes under the Powhatan chieftain. His leadership, courage, and strategic abilities make him a significant figure in the history of the Powhatan people and their interactions with the English.