M.A. Kleen

The bronze statue of Pocahontas at Historic Jamestowne is among the island’s most recognizable landmarks, long familiar from postcards and visitor photographs. Sculpted by William Ordway Partridge, the work was conceived for the 300th anniversary in 1907 but not completed until after federal funding helped bring it to fruition, with a formal dedication held in 1922. The figure presents Pocahontas in a stylized, romanticized form, including clothing that reflects early 20th-century artistic interpretation rather than historical accuracy. Over time, countless visitors have handled her outstretched hands, polishing them to a bright copper sheen. Originally placed near the Memorial Church to greet arriving guests, the statue has been relocated several times within the site as preservation efforts and archaeological work have reshaped the landscape, while a replica stands today at her burial place in Gravesend, England.