This is the Story of What Happened to the Real Pocahontas

Tensions between the Powhatan people and the English settlers didn’t erupt overnight, but they simmered dangerously, especially when cultural boundaries were violated. A significant source of conflict stemmed from the Englishmen’s behavior toward Powhatan women.

During the humid summer months, it was customary for women to dress lightly to stay cool, a norm in Powhatan life but a shock to the prudish sensibilities of the English. Unfortunately, some settlers misinterpreted—or willfully ignored—those customs and began to misbehave. The women eventually identified the offenders, and outrage surged.