Archaeologist Claims to Find Pocahontas’ Wedding Site — the Oldest Protestant Church in America
- Posted on November 28, 2011 at 6:26pm by
Billy Hallowell
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Archaeologists and, in turn, citizens may soon learn more about Pocahontas, the Native American woman who has, without question, become an American legend.
Dr. William Kelso, the Director of Archaeology for Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities (APVA), says he’s unearthed the church where she and tobacco planter John Rolfe were married.
As the story goes, Pocahontas’ meeting with Rolfe was credited with helping to stem tensions between the British and the Indians for nearly one decade. Of course, the tale, in its entirety, isn’t your typical, run-of-the-mill love story. The dramatic interactions between the Indians and British initially led to Pocahontas being captured.
The English held the young woman for ransom. Later, once the dust settled, she opted to stay with them and she went on to marry Rolfe. The couple even had a son named Thomas and they moved to England, where she later died at the age of 21.
The Pocahontas-Rolfe wedding, which was nearly 400 years ago, took place in a Protestant church. The house of worship’s recently-discovered remains are located in Jamestown, Virginia, where archaeologists also discovered four corresponding graves. The site, Kelso claims, was important to the local society. AFP has more:
“Religion played a big role” in the community, Kelso said as he stood near the river where small fluttering flags marked the building’s outline. Settlers “put a lot of work in the building of this big church, and that became very important for the colony.”
According to Kelso, two other Protestant churches existed before this one, though no remains from those houses of worship have been uncovered to date. Thus, this particular church distinguishes itself as the oldest recovered Protestant church in America.
Kelso and his team uncovered several post holes that were more than six feet deep. The size of the holes, he claims, indicates that the posts were strong enough to support the building’s heavy roof. The archaeologist also says that records kept by the colony’s secretary match what researchers have found at the site today. Mail Online has more:
The burial sites also match four high-ranking colony members who would have been buried near the church: a knight, two captains and Reverend Robert Hunt, the first cleric to come to the site. [...]
Archaeologists plan to dig up the graves in the coming months with the hope of confirming the identities of those buried.
Considering Pocahontas’ place in American history, this find, should it pan out, will help to add understanding and context to her story.
(H/T: Daily Mail)
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Comments (66)
ScottyRawdy
Posted on November 29, 2011 at 11:54amThis makes me think about a question I’ve had in my head ever since Newt made comments about illegal immigration…………….
Is there a Statchute of limitations on being an illegal immigrant ? I know people that snuck into America 150+ years ago….. People who snuck in here approx 100 years ago … & people who snuck in here 10+ years ago…..
Do we kick out the Italians & Irish & Jewish who came here illegally ?
Report Post »pmacres
Posted on November 29, 2011 at 12:10pmThe checked in legally at a place called ellis island,,,DA
Report Post »grman
Posted on November 29, 2011 at 12:34pmEllis Island opened in 1892…DA
Report Post »jungle J
Posted on November 29, 2011 at 1:27pmif your mind was a kite it would not fly.
Report Post »Chuck Stein
Posted on November 29, 2011 at 6:12pmThere is no statute of limitations — it is a continuing violation. Still, there is a different common law concept that might come into play in considering Newt’s position: adverse possession AKA “squatter’s rights” — if someone openly, continuously (for like 21 years), and adversely (i.e., without permission) occupies a piece of land, then they can claim legal ownership. It is that concept that Newt seems to be getting at (or, that is how it seems to me).
Report Post »BTW, I am NOT a Newt supporter: Newt is much more of a flip-flopper than Romney.
BurntHills
Posted on November 29, 2011 at 9:51amour family not only came to America, they also met the boats. = 100% AMERICAN. and that’s something obama can NEVER claim.
Report Post »JRook
Posted on November 29, 2011 at 10:41amThe ones who met the boats were for sure. The rest of us are immigrants. Particularly us WASPs.
Report Post »@leftfighter
Posted on November 29, 2011 at 11:26amMine too. I just found out last night that I’m descended from William Farrar, who was one of only 20 who surveved the Jamestown Massacre.
Now, his chuch has been unearthed. That’s an amazing coincidence!
Report Post »Immortal600
Posted on November 29, 2011 at 8:32amSarcasm, Blackbeard: sarcasm…..and by the way, First Thxgiving at Berkeley
Report Post »pirate52
Posted on November 29, 2011 at 8:22amAll it takes is some simple research of history, if you dont believe all you have to do is a little research for yourself, but lazy comes into mind for many sad people of this world.
Report Post »Immortal600
Posted on November 29, 2011 at 8:11amWAIT! Didn’t Glenn say that America started in 1620 at Plymouth??? Why are we digging in Virginny, anyhoo?
Report Post »taxpro4u03
Posted on November 29, 2011 at 4:55pmum — HISTORY is …… ‘interesting….’ Start HERE. Work your way BACK to the Biblical Abraham (gen 12:15 12:18) coincides really ‘close’ to the known archeological/historical record of the Pharaoh Amenemhet I (reign: 1991-1962 bc) – Abraham — circa 2055-1880 bc — Don’t fergit to do a THOROUGH, unbiased study of WHO the Hebrews are (some say Hyksos, expelled into Cannan), and that they DID rule Egypt for 108 years before they were kicked out again. Biblical text CLOSELY matches the historical ancient Egyptian texts. All that has changed is some names, a few dates and the lineage. WHY? To cover up their Hebrew heritage from BOTH the Hebrews AND the Egyptians. Makes one wonder WHY Great Britain, (London) USA, (D.C.) and Vatican City ALL have city-states and is known as the Empire of Cities. Eye opening if you want a REAL education on world history for the last 3,000 years. http://www.apfn.org/apfn/bcolony.htm Debunk it if you can. I also understand that the Day of Jubilee is slated for November 2012 whereby the PILFERED lands, wealth and resources will be returned to the PEOPLE they stole it from… (99%-ers) — just sayin’ :-)
Report Post »Moozmom
Posted on November 29, 2011 at 7:19amPocahantas ancestors married into the Ball family in Virginia. So families with that name originating from Virginia may have a family connection.
Report Post »Friends of mine are related to her and originate from Virginia. The relationship was uncovered decades ago in a hospital situation involving an Indian patient and my nurse friend.
mils
Posted on November 29, 2011 at 10:33amvery interesting….how would this show up in the records?
Report Post »Here in Texas
Posted on November 29, 2011 at 3:11amBut the question remains: can they paint with all the colors of the wind?
Report Post »READRIGHTHERE
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 2:46amNice.
Report Post »redgypsy
Posted on November 29, 2011 at 2:09amBanjarman, wisehiney, et. al.–your genealogies are really interesting. My ancestors came over much later, so….no American Indian blood that I know of.
Report Post »(Although I did grow up amongst the Hopis and Navajo….)
This article is fascinating stuff. I suppose my training in archeology kinda guarantees that, for me… :-)
redgypsy
Posted on November 29, 2011 at 2:04amHa. Logging out and then back in worked!
Report Post »LOTO
Posted on November 29, 2011 at 10:47amIf you opened a link into a new tab without being logged in the new page will need to be refreshed after you log in from another article link to work.
Report Post »redgypsy
Posted on November 29, 2011 at 2:03amWell, I’m having quite the glitch. This is a test to see if I can post. The Blaze keeps telling me I must be logged in to comment.
Report Post »I am.
grayling646
Posted on November 29, 2011 at 1:10amI‘m not gonna start my own ’fluff‘ site because I’m happy with the coverage The Blaze offers although they do have an occasional ‘fluff’ story.
When they arrest me and confiscate all my stuff because I said something they didn‘t like I’ll be screaming, “Damn, PASSIONFORCHRIST WAS RIGHT!!!.
Report Post »RationalMan
Posted on November 29, 2011 at 12:56amArchaeologist Claims to Find Pocahontas’ Wedding Site — the Oldest Protestant Church in America
Report Post »*********************************************************************************************************************
For a second I thought Archaeologist found a cave, but, it turn out to be a hut made out of lumber?
lukerw
Posted on November 29, 2011 at 12:55amI just cannot get into American Indian History… as the Animalistic & Primative is covered up… alike the Aztecs actually being cannibals!
Report Post »AmericanIndian
Posted on November 29, 2011 at 12:38amThere is so much fantasy around this story, the actual details of fact hardly seem to matter. The Indians in the photo of the painting, for example, are shown with tipis in the background. Those Indians at that time in that place would not have had the tipi, absolutely. The subtle error in the painting is a mirror of the fantasized story itself. Yet, being able to pint to the old piece of land where they got married is the kind of thing history buffs enjoy. For me, an Ojibwe American Indian, I have very rarely heard, read or seen any story about American Indians that is accurate. It has never been a subject that brings out the truth seekers, but rather a subject that inspires manipulators and liars….which is the same impression most honest historians have of the behavior and attitudes of the Christian clergy and their behavior towards American Indians.
Report Post »The_Doctor
Posted on November 29, 2011 at 1:29amThe World doesn’t realize how great the Indian Nations were in this country. Archaeology is helpful, but in many instances, incorrect in the who, what, and wheres. Reminds me a lot of the ‘Nacirema’ story (American spelled backwards) as to how future archaeologists may try to make assumptions about the current American societies.
Report Post »The_Doctor
Posted on November 29, 2011 at 12:14amI’m excited for this find, because through geneology work, I am related to Thomas, therefore; Pocahontas. Finding out more about an ancestor from 400 years ago is important to some of us. Thanks for the story.
Report Post »ledbythnose
Posted on November 29, 2011 at 7:34amWe are related then my Friend. One of my Great Grandfathers married Anna Rolfe, the Daughter of Pocahontas Son ,Thomas Rolfe. Check your genealogy site for William Barnett.
Report Post »Godspeed.
Immortal600
Posted on November 29, 2011 at 8:14amDont forget about the “Red” Bollings. They are descended from Pocahontas as well
Report Post »desertspeaks
Posted on November 28, 2011 at 11:16pmmore fluff pieces by the blaze.. why is the blaze NOT reporting Senate bills S. 1867 and S. 1253 both of which Will Allow Indefinite Military Detention Of American Civilians Without Charge Or Trial.
Report Post »I’ve posted this several times now and the blaze staff keep DELETING IT.. I wonder why??
grayling646
Posted on November 28, 2011 at 11:31pmI sense that you’re not happy with the way The Blaze covers the news. How about this? You start your own site? Huh? How ’bout that?
Report Post »grayling646
Posted on November 28, 2011 at 11:36pmAnd it’s a lie to say The Blaze has deleted your posts unless you have offensive language in it
Maybe the reason they‘re not covering your story is because it’s based on an ACLU opinion and everybody knows the ACLU is full of something I can’t say on here.
Report Post »AmericanIndian
Posted on November 29, 2011 at 12:45amGrayling. WTF is with the aclu thing? The aclu is made up on thousands of people that do thousands of different things. Unlike you, they are not “one” thing …(that can’t be said here)…and hated because they are that “one” thing. I know that some branches of the ACLU represent medical malpractice, so maybe you can get a refund on the failed operation you had to behave normally, so you should not rule them out so impulsively.
Report Post »recoveringneocon
Posted on November 28, 2011 at 11:16pmGreat Story
Report Post »ZeroOff4impact
Posted on November 28, 2011 at 10:43pmAnd the truth comes to life ..
Report Post »MB1
Posted on November 28, 2011 at 10:26pmWhat a wonderful nice story about an early Protestant Church..yay.so happy…. Ok when is the story that bashes the Catholic Church going to be posted….Im waiting for it…come on now lets keep the trend going blaze.
Report Post »iwalkalone
Posted on November 28, 2011 at 10:30pmIt was probably not a catholic church. Either baptist or Anglican most likely.
Report Post »MB1
Posted on November 28, 2011 at 10:32pmI was just bringing attention to how much Anti-Catholic comments are posted here when you look at all the chat on the stories about faith.
Report Post »diggyorange
Posted on November 28, 2011 at 11:03pmyeah notice the first comment isnt bashing anyone even though its related to a church, Ohhh but its not a Catholic church so I’m sure the comments will be all warm fuzzy and friendly.
if you think I’m being paranoid or over sensitive , just put catholic , or pope in the search engine here and take a quick look through the comment section. Its utterly disgusting. Also compare the contrast between , Catholic stories and Mormon stories , or Jewish ones. There’s a stark difference.
I’ve saved the most disgusting of them , but there are plenty that I’m sure I missed. It gets old after a while and I stop reading.
Report Post »conservativewoman
Posted on November 28, 2011 at 11:13pm@MB1
Report Post »I’m totally with you. If the story is about Protestants it’s all about something wonderful, and if it’s about us Catholics, it’s all about something terrible.
Usually, I can find all kinds of lies in the Catholic articles after I do some very simple research, yet Glen Beck‘s research team can’t seem to (or doesn’t want to.) People who post on the Blaze are still talking about the article where the Pope supposedly wanted a one-world monetary system. That was a TOTAL LIE BY THE MEDIA. The Pope had nothing to do with that, but Blaze posters are still passing the lie around. Beck always says do your own research, but he doesn’t do his!
wisehiney
Posted on November 28, 2011 at 11:23pmAll Christians are under attack. The devil runs loose in the world. Ever since I was a kid I thought how dumb it is that people on the same team hate and fight each other over nothing really.
Report Post »grayling646
Posted on November 28, 2011 at 11:38pmDamn Catholics….
Report Post »Dismayed Veteran
Posted on November 29, 2011 at 12:11pmThis find is great since it enriches immigrant American history.
Have you noticed that we Catholics are getting more aggressive in our comments to Protestants. In the past, most Catholics didn’t even talk about Protestants. The only time we even gave them any attention was when one of our kids wanted to marry one. When the Blaze started posting more and more stories about the Catholic Church, we started out conciliatory and inclusive. That did not stop the Catholic bashing.
If you come across OKIE, he has strong beliefs but is a gentleman. He and I tried to get together offline to discuss our beliefs but the email connection just didn’t work. OKIE if I got your gender wrong, I apologize.
Report Post »READRIGHTHERE
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 2:58amIf you maintain a very distinct faith, you are prone to receive negativity. By default you have identified yourself as a member of a group. For those outside your group this will translate into ascribing to you any positive or negative attributes assumed to represent your group. Your job as a Christian is to turn the other cheek, choose not become offended, and simply keep the dialogue progressing forward instead of digressing into petty arguments over differences in belief. This originating comment is baiting. Creating a perceived offense when none actually exists. A piece of American History was discovered. It would even be cool of it were John Rolfe’s outhouse.
Report Post »Jennifer_D
Posted on November 28, 2011 at 10:07pmThis is such an amazing story; hope that more details are shared soon!
Report Post »banjarmon
Posted on November 28, 2011 at 9:52pmJust knowing my ancestor Thomas Stanton landed in Jamestown in 1637 makes this an interesting story..
Report Post »wisehiney
Posted on November 28, 2011 at 10:13pmMy ancestors first cousin Capt William Perry, buried at the old Westover Church in 1637 (arrived 1611), now becomes the seventh oldest European grave in America instead of the 3rd. Looks like our families have been watching each others back for quite a while.
Report Post »iwalkalone
Posted on November 28, 2011 at 10:28pmMy family claimed to be descendants of Pocohantas through the Randolph’s and “red” Bollings of Virginia. I believe it because the claim was made by a definite anscestor of mine around 1790.
Report Post »wisehiney
Posted on November 28, 2011 at 10:33pmMy ancestors brother, Peter Perry was partners in a very early law firm with Randolph and Hill in Williamsburg.
Report Post »iwalkalone
Posted on November 28, 2011 at 10:44pm@wisehiney
Report Post »Randolphs were big super wealthy family, highly influential politically. Closely related in many ways to Thomas Jefferson and were some of the most prominent characters in the revolutionary war and after. My Randolphs were from Albermarle/Charlottesville and claimed relationship to John Randolph of Roanoke plantation. A great orator and politician famous for his anti slavery actions later in life.
wisehiney
Posted on November 28, 2011 at 11:02pmArchibald Randolph bred the great Sir Archy at his plantation on the James River. Considered by many to be the greatest race horse of all time. Progenitor of Man of War, Seabiscuit, Secretariat, Barbaro, and many other champions. Good blood you have there.
Report Post »Delores at CH WV
Posted on November 29, 2011 at 12:32amSmall World, my father;s grandfather also came through the William Randolph family in Virginia. It was passed down from my ancesters that we were also blood kin to the Great Princess. My father had two Indian grandmother’s named Sarah Rhodes and Sarah Garnes. Sarah Garnes married Ransom Randolph s/o William Riley Randolph and Sarah Elizabeth Green. We were told that my great grandfather Ranson Randolph married Sarah Garnes (full Indian) who was from a Virginia Coastal tribe. My grandmother was Nellie Aubrey Randolph who married John Otmer Fields, s/o William Lightburn Fields and Sarah Ann Rhodes,whom were both half Indian and half white. My ancesters were pioneer, neighbor farmers who lived in peace in Jackson Co. and Roane Co. who all struggled together, played music together, and loved together. My great grandfather Lightburn was known for making large bondfires and dancing a war dance all night with his drum. I think he must have been a little high on the mountain whisky! I have very interesting ancestors. Too, bad the Princess died young.
Report Post »loriann12
Posted on November 29, 2011 at 7:46amI love geneology. I can trace my mom’s side of the family back to Samual Adams daughter (as in married her), and my dad‘s family back to the 1700’s as well. We’ve been here a long time. My mom’s ancestor fought with General Washington. I though about joining the Daughter’s of the American Revolution, but got sick and didn’t persue it. I have Blackfoot, Osage, and Cherokee in my blood.
Report Post »Sugabee
Posted on November 29, 2011 at 10:47amLoriann; I’m a DAR member!! You should join! It really helps if someone in your ancestry is already a member – that way, you only have to prove the link between the previous member and you. My ancestor on my Dad’s side is Capt.James George, a schooner captain in SC. And I have at least one ancestor who fought in the Civil War.
Report Post »Conkuur
Posted on November 28, 2011 at 9:51pmUm……….. that doesn’t look like mouth to mouth resuscitation shes giving him……………
Report Post »poisonspring
Posted on November 28, 2011 at 9:48pmHas anyone noticed that most of these stories about Americas past are reported in British papers? Hmmmm……..
Report Post »NoRoomForSocialismHere
Posted on November 28, 2011 at 9:44pmYou mean the Pope, Imam, Marx, atheist werent there for the wedding, ha ha ha Where is the temple, it could not be just a plain old PROTESTANT affair…OH it was!
Report Post »Conkuur
Posted on November 28, 2011 at 9:43pmYeah thats it!……I was there helluva wedding!
Report Post »