Chanco facts for kids
Chanco is the name given to a Native American who is said to have warned a colonist named Richard Pace. This warning helped save many lives during a big attack in 1622. This article explains how this Native American became known as Chanco.
The Unnamed Hero
The official records from the London Company describe the 1622 attack. They mention a Native American who gave a warning. However, this person is not named in these early accounts.
The records only say he was a converted Native American. He "belonged to one Perry" and lived with Richard Pace. His brother came to him the night before the attack. The brother told him about the plan to kill the colonists.
Perry's Indian then woke up and told Pace everything. Because of this warning, many colonists were saved. The records say that while many died, thousands were saved by this one Christian Native American.
Other Native Americans also gave warnings. They helped save lives in places like James City. They also warned a ship trading in the Pamunkey River. None of these brave individuals were named in the original reports.
Who Was Chauco?
A Native American named Chauco is mentioned in a letter. This letter was sent in April 1623 from Virginia to London. It talks about two Native Americans who came to Martin's Hundred.
One of them was Chauco. He had lived among the English for a long time. He had also helped save lives during the 1622 attack by telling people about the plan.
Chauco was sent by the "great King" (likely Opechancanough). He brought a message of peace. The King said that enough fighting had happened. Many of his people were starving because their corn was taken. Their homes were also burned.
The King wanted his people to be able to plant crops peacefully. He offered to send back about twenty English prisoners. In return, he asked that the English also live peacefully.
The other Native American with Chauco was named Comahum. He had been part of the attack at Martin's Hundred. He was put in chains because he was not sent by the King.
How "Chauco" Became "Chanco"
In 1740, a historian named William Stith wrote a book. It was called History of the first discovery and settlement of Virginia. Stith used old records from the Virginia Company for his book.
Stith read the letter that mentioned Chauco. But he seems to have misread the name. He thought "Chauco" was spelled "Chanco".
Stith also believed that this "Chanco" was the same person. He thought he was the Native American who warned Richard Pace. Stith wrote that "Chanco," Pace's Christian convert, was sent by Opechancanough. This "Chanco" was supposed to help get English prisoners back.
It's not clear if Stith's idea was correct. Some historians, like Helen C. Rountree, think Chauco and Pace's unnamed helper were different people.
However, the name "Chanco" is now very well known. It is used in stories and history as the name of the Native American who helped save Jamestown. It's unlikely the name will change now.
Chanco in Modern Times
Chanco on the James is a place in Surry County, Virginia. It used to be called Camp Chanco. It is now an outdoor event center and a summer camp. The Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia owns and runs it.
