Opechancanough | A Brief Biography
Summary
TLDROpi 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
- π Opie Canoe was the brother of Paramount Chief Powhatan and a significant figure in the Powhatan people's history.
- π In Powhatan society, power was matrilineally inherited, with Powhatan's eldest brother Opichepam next in line for leadership.
- π€ Opie Canoe had a complex relationship with the English, including organizing John Smith's capture and later gifting him a shooting glove.
- π° Paramount Chief Powhatan moved his capital multiple times, eventually settling near Opie Canoe's territory for strategic reasons.
- π Powhatan's power began to decline around 1614, while Opie Canoe's influence grew as he became a unifying figure against English encroachment.
- π₯ In 1622, Opie Canoe led a surprise attack on English settlements, killing 347 people and temporarily pushing back the English.
- π₯Ά 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.
- ποΈ By the 1640s, native populations were in decline due to disease, conflict, and land loss, leading to the disappearance of some tribes.
- π‘οΈ 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.
- β°οΈ Opie Canoe was captured in 1646, made a spectacle in Jamestown, and was eventually killed, marking the end of his resistance.
- ποΈ 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.
Outlines
π° Power Dynamics and Alliances in Powhatan Confederacy
The paragraph delves into the complex power structure of the Powhatan people, highlighting the matrilineal inheritance of leadership. Opie Canoe, brother of paramount chief Powhatan, was a significant figure who held power even before Powhatan's death. The narrative explores the intricate family relationships and the strategic moves made by Opie Canoe, including his role in John Smith's capture and his diplomatic gestures towards the English. It also details the rise of Opie Canoe's influence as Powhatan's power waned, and his efforts to unite the tribes against the encroaching English settlers. The paragraph culminates with the devastating attack on English settlements in 1622, orchestrated by Opie Canoe, which aimed to reclaim land and assert dominance.
π‘οΈ Conflict and Survival in Colonial Virginia
This paragraph continues the narrative by detailing the aftermath of the 1622 attack and the subsequent English retaliation. It describes the poisoning of Opie Canoe and other Powhatan leaders during a supposed peace meeting, which further escalated hostilities. Despite the English's attempt to eliminate Opie Canoe, he survives and continues to lead. As the English colonization efforts intensify, the Powhatan people face increasing challenges, including the loss of land and population decline. The paragraph also covers Opie Canoe's final years, his strategic leadership, and the eventual treaty that subjugated the native tribes under English rule. The legacy of Opie Canoe is discussed, emphasizing his importance as a unifying figure and a symbol of resistance against colonial forces.
Mindmap
Keywords
π‘Paramount Chief
π‘Matrilineal Succession
π‘Opi Kan Canoe
π‘Jamestown
π‘John Smith
π‘Native Resistance
π‘Powhatan Confederacy
π‘Land Disputes
π‘Cultural Practices
π‘Treaty of 1646
Highlights
Opie Canoe was the brother of paramount chief Powhatan, who was the leader of the Powhatan people.
In Powhatan society, power passed matrilineally, and Opie Canoe was next in line after Powhatan's eldest brother, Opichepam.
Opie Canoe was referred to as Powhatan's brother, which could imply a full or half brother, or even a mother's younger sister's son.
Opie Canoe was said to be nearly 100 years old at the time of his death, having been paramount chief from around 1628 or 1629 until 1646.
Opie Canoe was considered an influential leader even before Powhatan's death, holding significant power.
He played a crucial role in organizing John Smith's capture in 1608 and introducing him to Powhatan.
Opie Canoe had a good relationship with the English, even sending gifts to John Smith and becoming friends with John Rolfe.
As Powhatan's power declined, Opie Canoe's influence grew, especially after 1614 when English expansion efforts increased.
Opie Canoe prepared for conflict with the English by gathering allies and supplies, and convincing them of the paramount chieftain's weakness.
On March 22nd, 1622, Opie Canoe led a surprise attack on English settlements, killing 347 people and asserting dominance.
The attack in 1622 was aimed at reclaiming land and re-establishing boundaries, and it forced the English to retreat.
In 1623, a meeting was organized to return captives, but the English poisoned the Powhatan's drinks, leading to further conflict.
Opie Canoe survived the poisoning and continued to lead, even after his brother's death and the decline of the Powhatan chiefdom.
By 1634, Opie Canoe had inherited the chiefdom, and relations with the English fluctuated between trade and conflict.
In 1644, Opie Canoe organized another attack on the English, taking captives and demonstrating the remaining strength of the Powhatan tribes.
In 1646, Governor Berkeley captured Opie Canoe, who was near 100 years old, and he was killed in prison.
Opie Canoe's leadership and the 1622 attack were significant in re-solidifying unity among the Powhatan tribes.
His fortitude, strength, and charisma make Opie Canoe an important figure in the history of the Powhatan people and a model of leadership.
Transcripts
[Music]
opie cane canoe was the brother of
paramount chief powhatan who was the
memanetoic or paramount leader of the
powhatan people in synagogue paramount
chief powton had inherited power from
his mother as authority passed
matrilineally in powhatan society the
order of succession would have been
powhatan then his eldest brother
opichepam followed by his other brothers
opi can canoe and kikita
powhatan also had two sisters so they
would have ruled after the brothers and
the eldest sisters children would have
inherited the chieftain not paramount
chief palatin's children
out of this list though only powhatan a
pitcher pam and opie can canoe were
paramount chiefs obi kankanu was
referred to as powaton's brother which
could have been full or half brother and
the word may also have meant a mother's
younger sister's son
their ages were not well documented but
it seems they were of a very close age
at the time of his death opie can canoe
was said to be albeit by an english
account nearly 100 years old he was
paramount chief from around 1628 or 1629
until his death in 1646 but held so much
power that he was seen as an influential
leader even before paramount chief
powhatan died
officially he was ware once of the
yachtinens since their land bordered
monacan land to the west and he had the
strength and skill to hold the western
borders
obi kankanu is part of the jamestown
story from the very beginning in fact he
organized john smith's capture in 1608
and took him to paramount chief powhatan
soon after the capture of john smith
began an interesting relationship
between smith and the english and
paramount chief powhatan and his peoples
on one occasion obi kankanu allegedly
even sent his shooting glove and bracer
to john smith as a gift to show respect
and win his favor
even john rolfe met and became friends
with opie can canoe before rolf and
pocahontas went to england with ralph
indicating in a letter that opie can
canoe loved him even while both sides
were constantly fighting the in-law
relationship was alleged to be a good
one
as the threat of violence at the hands
of the english grew paramount chief
powhatan was forced to move his capital
first he moved it from where wakomaco to
oropax in 1609 and then farther west to
match it near obi-ken canoe at yachting
in 1614
with tensions rising it made sense for
paramount chief powerton to move closer
to his strongest brother but also to
establish himself near a river where his
people could still reach him by canoe
during sir thomas dale's time at
jamestown around 1614 over the following
two years is when paramount chief
powerton's power started to decline and
ob can canoes rose
when the english amplified their
expansion efforts around 1614 powhatan
no longer had interest or ability to
fight against them but opie can canoe
did he appeared suddenly in the records
of 1614 as a man who quote hath already
the command of all the people unquote
many people had become willing to fight
against the encroaching english and obi
kinkano had made many allies in his
travels
by 1616 powerton had withdrawn almost
entirely from public affairs during a
time when his people were being pushed
off their land and his brothers and
counselors opinions differed on how to
handle the english problem
this uncontrolled expansion by the
english from 1614 to 1618 had come to a
peak poutine spent his last months
before his death in april 1618 touring
his territories and putting on an
affable face to the english
after powhatan died obi kankanu started
putting his plan into effect that being
said even if powhatan had lived opi can
canoe would have probably still
organized his allies to attack the
english
in the years leading up to the attack ob
can canoe prepared physically by
gathering allies and supplies but also
psychologically by convincing the
english that the paramount chieftain was
weakening and they barely had enough
food to survive thus lowering the
english's guard
powhatan men changed their names
sometimes multiple times in their lives
in symbolic alignment with great deeds
they had performed although they were
rarely called by these names in later
records opicipam changed his name to
sosofan and obi king can you change his
name to manga piecemen before the events
of 1622.
on march 22nd 1622 opi can canoe's
careful planning was put into effect
kanuna's allies caught the english by
surprise when they launched an attack on
some of the english settlements
including henricus and martin's hundred
killing a total of
347 people an estimated quarter of the
english population of virginia at the
time
the goal was to assert dominance reclaim
stolen land and re-establish boundaries
the attack was devastating to the
english who did indeed pull back into
fortified settlements closer to the
coast and began plotting revenge
opipan and obi kankanu took captives
during the attack the men were killed
and the women were integrated into
powhatan society as was customary during
1623 a pecha pam in the english
organized a meeting where the captives
would be returned apachepam hosted the
meeting and organized a feast
unbeknownst to those in attendance
including opi can canoe the english
poisoned the powhatan's drinks as the
poison took effect the english rushed to
their boats fired upon the poisoned
powhatan people killing several dozen
and returned long enough to cut off
quote parts of their heads unquote
before leaving opi can canoe had been
the focus of the attack being both
poisoned and shot and assumed dead by
the english but remarkably both he and
apichypham survived
the records after 1624 become even
sparser than before hostilities
continued for several years but as
supplies to conduct raids on poutine
towns became increasingly limited and as
morale amongst the poutine people
declined conflict began to wane
during this time apachepam died and opi
can canoe inherited the chiefdom by 1634
the two groups were reportedly on fair
terms with trade and fighting still
occasionally occurring as more europeans
arrived native groups lost more land and
their populations dropped at an alarming
rate and many tribes disappeared
entirely from the written record
by the 1640s opi can canoe was somewhere
in his 90s and although he had
physically declined his intellectual and
strategic abilities were as strong as
ever while england was in the midst of a
civil war he organized one final grand
show strength against the invaders who
were destroying his world with the help
of the remaining tribes in the chiefdom
they attacked on april 18 1644. they
again took captives but unlike 1622
after this attack many of the groups
left their lands entirely and moved away
the few that remained like the monkey
chickahominy and nansemonds were
constantly and relentlessly raided by
the english in the summer of 1646
governor berkeley led an attack on the
pa monkey and captured obi-can canoe now
near the age of 100 taking him to
jamestown and throwing him in prison
where he was made a spectacle
while in prison a guard shot him in the
back killing him by the fall nakota once
who would be the last paramount chief
was the new leader of the palatine
people and he agreed to a treaty that
made all native peoples of virginia
including groups not under nakota wants
his leadership like the rappahannocks
subjects of the king of england and
divided virginia into native and
european land forbidding travel across
this border without possession of a
special pass obtained at an
english-controlled border fort
in some ways opi king canoe played a
bigger role in the jamestown story than
powhatan yet he is rarely discussed in
history so why is opi can canoe so
important
opi kenkanu isn't going to be just
important because of his role as the
paramount chief of the tribes that make
up the palatine chieftain he's also
going to be important because of this 22
attack uh on the english through this he
is re-solidifying that unity in the
palatine chieftain uh bringing those
people back together after they've been
dealing with english attacks and
trying to have been for themselves for
quite a bit
and with that he is successful in his
short-term goals of trying to push the
english back unfortunately because of
the strong foothold that the english
already have here
he's unsuccessful in achieving those
long-term goals
in a modern setting he's going to be
important uh for our tribes here today
because of the fortitude the strength
courage and all the other great
personality traits that he possesses
these are all going to make him a very
charismatic and strong leader for the
chieftain and is what's going to make
him a great example of leadership for
pilots and society even today
you
5.0 / 5 (0 votes)