Werowocomoco

Werowocomoco, the “leader's settlement,” stood on the northern bank of the York River. It was the residence of Wahunsenacawh, known to the English as Powhatan, and a centre where he received tribute from the peoples of his confederacy. The riverside settlement had been occupied for centuries, and its earthworks and fields gave it importance before the arrival of the English at Jamestown.

In December 1607 the captured John Smith was brought here to meet Powhatan. Relations between the confederacy and the newcomers soon grew tense over food, weapons and land. During negotiations in January 1609, each side sought to gain an advantage over the other. Soon afterwards Powhatan left Werowocomoco and moved his headquarters farther inland, to Orapakes near the head of the Chickahominy.