Thursday, April 3, 2008

Pocahontas Statue

Two statues, separated by an ocean, linked by an Indian princess. This metal statue replica I found a few years ago confused me at first. I’ve seen the statue of Pocahontas at Jamestown, Virginia, but she stands on a low stone base, whereas this monument is on a tall pedestal. I did some research and discovered that this is a souvenir of the statue of Pocahontas at St. George's church in Gravesend, England. During her return trip from England in March, 1617, Pocahontas became ill and died at Gravesend on the River Thames. She is buried in this riverside town east of London. In her memory, a life-size bronze statue created by American sculptor William Ordway Partridge was placed on the church grounds in 1958. It was an exact copy, save for the base, of her statue at Jamestown which was created in 1922. Born about 1595, Pocahontas was the daughter of Powhatan, who ruled the Powhatan Confederacy, near the Jamestown Settlement. She was a frequent and welcome visitor to Jamestown and Captain John Smith believed she had saved his life twice during the colony's first years. She later married an Englishman, John Rolfe, and became a celebrity in London in the last year of her life. Does a souvenir monument of the Jamestown statue exist?

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I have the version in James town along with the Smith Statue as well. Had no ideal there was one of her in England

Dave said...

Nice! I'm not sure I've seen the John Smith replica. Send me some photos and I can share them with other readers.

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