Read on Twitter
Today In History, 1675, New England: King Philip's War. This is one of the lesser known American wars. Many people probably never even heard of it. Matter of fact you probably think "King Philip" was a European King. Actually King Philip, or "Metacomet" was a Wampanoag Chief. .
Metacomet was the son of Massasoit, who was famous for helping the Plymouth Colony in their early years. Massasoit died in 1661 and Metacomet's brother, Wamsutta, became "Sachem" (Chief). He died the next year. It was believed by the Wampanoag that he was poisoned by the English
Tensions began to grow between the English and the Natives, especially as the settlers began to expand their territory, pushing the Natives inward, away from the coast. There were a number of events that led to war, but one in particular. . .
John Sassamon was an Indian Christian convert who served as an interpreter between Natives and Colonists. He was well liked by the English. One day his body was found in the Assawompset Pond. The Wampanoag were blamed and 3 of King Philip's men were hanged. . .
King Philip responded with the "Raid on Swansea", a Plymouth settlement. Followed up with raids at Lancaster, Longmeadow, Marlborough, and Simsbury in the following weeks. Nearly half of Massachusetts was now under attack. Settlers were dying and being kidnapped. . .
Captain Benjamin Church, "Father of the American Rangers" took command. He began to destroy one Native encampment after another. On November 2, Plymouth governor Josiah Winslow led a militia in the "Great Swamp Fight", killing 600 Narragansett people. . .
The Natives began to suffer great losses, and their women were captured and shipped to the West Indian slave trade. . King Philip was now on the run. . .
Captain Church received intel on Philip's hideout. They captured his wife and son. King Philip was found at Mount Hope, in Rhode Island. He was shot and killed by John Alderman, another Christian convert, or "Praying Indian".
King Philip's body was cut and quartered. His head was severed and put on display on a stake in Plymouth Colony, where it is said to have remained for 20 years.
Hope you enjoyed the lesson. Keep History Alive!
