Queen Betty facts for kids

Betty, also known as "Mrs. Betty," was a leader of the Pamunkey tribe. She is believed to have been the niece of Cockacoeske. Betty took over as the tribe's chief, or Weroansqua, after Cockacoeske.

A New Leader for the Pamunkey

In 1686, an important meeting happened. The Council of Virginia was told that Cockacoeske had passed away. She had been the Pamunkey ruler for 30 years.

The Pamunkey people wanted Cockacoeske's niece to become their new chief. The Council agreed to this. They asked for the niece and the Pamunkey leaders to come to James City. This meeting was to officially confirm her as the new ruler.

Who Was Betty?

The records from that time do not clearly state the new chief's name. However, a land document from 1702 mentions "Ms. Betty Queen ye Queen." Later, in 1708, another chief named "Queen Ann" is mentioned.

Some historians believe that Betty and Ann might have been the same person. The Dictionary of Virginia Biography suggests this idea. It is thought that leaders of the Powhatan tribes sometimes changed their names. This happened especially during important life events. It's possible that Betty changed her name to Ann after Queen Anne became the ruler of England in 1702.