Lest anyone think that Fred Fausz is just being multicultural and trendy
in naming Opechancanough as a great Virginian, recall that 19th century
Jamestown commemorations often cited him, 1622 uprising and all, as one
who clearly "loved" Virginia.  For 19th century Virginians, that was the
stuff of romantic tragedy -- a tragic and ultimately failed attempt to
hold back the forces of change.  Maybe Virginians have always had a
weakness for "lost causes."

David Kiracofe



David Kiracofe
History
Tidewater Community College
Chesapeake Campus
1428 Cedar Road
Chesapeake, Virginia 23322
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Despite my earlier fawning over William Claiborne as the "Greatest
Virginian
[Colonist] of the 17th Century," the recent buzz about Malick's "New
World"
might make us forget that OPECHANCANOUGH / MANGOPEESOMON
deserves some consideration as the Greatest 17th-Century Figure in
Virginia's "Old World."  As an innovative pioneer of terrorism tactics
and a
resistance leader, he is developing something of a following among
Muslim
freedom fighters.  Few 17th century folks of any culture or color can
claim
such contemporary relevance and continuing impact.

Fred Fausz
St. Louis

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