On May 13, 1607, three English sailing vessels drop anchor beside a small island fringed by swamps in the James River, Virginia. On board: 104 colonists who will establish the first successful English settlement in the New World at Jamestown. The exploits of one colonist -- the brash, swashbuckling John Smith; the venerable chief Powhatan; and his infatuated daughter Pocahontas will be recited, retold, and embroidered until they gather the status of an epic founding myth of the new nation.

Now, 400 years later, science is investigating the truth behind the myth. Virginia archaeologists recently discovered the site of Chief Powhatan's capital, Werowocomoco, some 17 miles from Jamestown. This is the very spot where the smitten Pocahontas begged her father to spare the neck of the captive John Smith ; or so Smith claimed. Join NOVA on this exclusive investigation of the archaeological clues that are revealing the Native American side of the Jamestown story for the first time.

Special DVD features include: materials and activities for educators; a link to the NOVA Web site; scene selections; and closed captions.