West Point in King William County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Indians Poisoned At Peace Meeting
Photographed By Bernard Fisher, March 28, 2009
1. Indians Poisoned At Peace Meeting Marker
Inscription.
Indians Poisoned At Peace Meeting. . In May 1623, Capt. William Tucker led English soldiers from Jamestown to meet with Indian leaders here in Pamunkey territory. The Indians were returning English prisoners taken in March 1622 during war leader Opechancanough’s orchestrated attacks on encroaching English settlements along the James River. At the meeting, the English called for a toast to seal the agreement, gave the Indians poisoned wine, and then fired upon them, injuring as many as 150, including Opechancanough and the chief of the Kiskiack. The English had hoped to assassinate Opechancanough, who was erroneously reported as having been slain; they succeeded in 1646.
In May 1623, Capt. William Tucker led English soldiers from Jamestown to meet with Indian leaders here in Pamunkey territory. The Indians were returning English prisoners taken in March 1622 during war leader Opechancanough’s orchestrated attacks on encroaching English settlements along the James River. At the meeting, the English called for a toast to seal the agreement, gave the Indians poisoned wine, and then fired upon them, injuring as many as 150, including Opechancanough and the chief of the Kiskiack. The English had hoped to assassinate Opechancanough, who was erroneously reported as having been slain; they succeeded in 1646.
Erected 2008 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number OC-3.)
Location. 37° 32.289′ N, 76° 47.68′ W. Marker is in West Point, Virginia, in King William County. Marker is at the intersection of 14th Street (Virginia Route 33) and Chelsea Road, on the right when traveling east on 14th Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: West Point VA 23181, United States of America. Touch for directions.
3. John Smith taking the King of Pamunkey (Opechancanough) prisoner.
The image of Opechancanough is based on a 1585 painting of another native warrior by John White.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 13, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 3, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 15,611 times since then and 284 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on April 3, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. 3. submitted on March 23, 2019, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
