King Philips War
Tensions were mounting between the colonists and the Wampanoags. The final spark was a murder, and later execution of three (3) Wampanoags by the colonists.
John Sassamon
John Sassamon, by birth, was a Massachusetts Native American. Sassamon learned to read and write, translated a portion of the Bible into the Indian language, was employed to teach at an Indian School at Natick, was baptized, and received as a member of one of the Indian churches.
He disliked the English and went to reside with Wamsutta until his death, then continued with Metacomet, becoming his secretary and interpreter as early as 1662. While engaged in preaching to the Indians, Sassamon pretended to have learned that his countrymen designed a war with the English, and returning to Plymouth, communicated this to the governor of Plymouth Colony. He spoke with the English in strict secrecy, knowing if Metacomet (King Philip) knew of his passing of information he would be known as a traitor and killed.
Sassamon's Murder 1675, Lakeville Mass.
In the spring of 1675 Sassamon went missing, searches were conducted and subsequently his body was found in Assawompset Pond in Lakeville. His body was examined and had bruises along with a broken neck. This led to the conclusion he was murdered before being tossed into the pond. Records indicated Sassamon was murdered on January 29 1675.
It’s possible the investigation into Sassamon’s death would have been dismissed but for one key piece of evidence: An eyewitness.
A Wampanoag named Patuckson, upon hearing the news of the discovery of Sassamon’s body, confessed that he was watching from a hill, and that he saw Sassamon murdered by three Wampanoags before they dropped the body under the ice.
Three (3) Wampanoags were arrested on March 1 1675. Tobias, his son Wampapaum, and Mattushannamo. They were indicted for murder based on two main pieces of evidence: (1) Patuckson’s eyewitness testimony, and (2) Sassamon’s body had a broken neck when it was discovered. All of them insisted that they were innocent. None of them were afforded an attorney.
Every single person involved in the murder case was a Wampanoag: the victim, the defendants, and the witness. In the past, Plymouth authorities granted jurisdiction of such cases to the Wampanoags, under the peace treaties the Wampanoags and the English had both agreed. Plymouth Colony breached the treaty, and decided to try the case under European law, before the General Court at Plymouth.
During the trial, Patuckson gave his testimony. He told of the murder, where he was when he witnessed it, and how the defendants tried to dispose of the body. He was the only witness, and, at the time, English precedent held that there had to be at least two corroborating witnesses for capital punishment to be administered. Patuckson’s testimony was called into question when it was uncovered that he owed a gambling debt to Tobias. The jury convicted the three and were sentenced to death. The death sentences infringed on Wampanaog sovereignty.
Execution Day
On June 8 1675, Mattashunnamo and Tobias took their places at the gallows, and were hung. Tobias’ son, Wampapaquan then took his place at the gallows, Wampapaquan was swung by his neck—dropped into the air by the hangman’s noose. However, the rope snapped, and he fell to the ground, alive. In a moment of panic, he confessed that he and the other two defendants were responsible for the murder, but that he was “no actor in it, yet a looker on.” He then implicated Metacomet (King Philip) in the murder, suggesting that the defendants were acting under the sachem’s orders.
A failed execution usually exempted the condemned from further punishment, and a promised pardon would be given in exchange for a confession. This should have exonerated Wampapaquan after he survived the botched hanging. The Plymouth authorities showed no mercy. Wampapaquan was never set free, and was shot to death by Plymouth authorities.
Tensions were mounting between the colonists and the Wampanoags. The final spark was a murder, and later execution of three (3) Wampanoags by the colonists.
John Sassamon
John Sassamon, by birth, was a Massachusetts Native American. Sassamon learned to read and write, translated a portion of the Bible into the Indian language, was employed to teach at an Indian School at Natick, was baptized, and received as a member of one of the Indian churches.
He disliked the English and went to reside with Wamsutta until his death, then continued with Metacomet, becoming his secretary and interpreter as early as 1662. While engaged in preaching to the Indians, Sassamon pretended to have learned that his countrymen designed a war with the English, and returning to Plymouth, communicated this to the governor of Plymouth Colony. He spoke with the English in strict secrecy, knowing if Metacomet (King Philip) knew of his passing of information he would be known as a traitor and killed.
Sassamon's Murder 1675, Lakeville Mass.
In the spring of 1675 Sassamon went missing, searches were conducted and subsequently his body was found in Assawompset Pond in Lakeville. His body was examined and had bruises along with a broken neck. This led to the conclusion he was murdered before being tossed into the pond. Records indicated Sassamon was murdered on January 29 1675.
It’s possible the investigation into Sassamon’s death would have been dismissed but for one key piece of evidence: An eyewitness.
A Wampanoag named Patuckson, upon hearing the news of the discovery of Sassamon’s body, confessed that he was watching from a hill, and that he saw Sassamon murdered by three Wampanoags before they dropped the body under the ice.
Three (3) Wampanoags were arrested on March 1 1675. Tobias, his son Wampapaum, and Mattushannamo. They were indicted for murder based on two main pieces of evidence: (1) Patuckson’s eyewitness testimony, and (2) Sassamon’s body had a broken neck when it was discovered. All of them insisted that they were innocent. None of them were afforded an attorney.
Every single person involved in the murder case was a Wampanoag: the victim, the defendants, and the witness. In the past, Plymouth authorities granted jurisdiction of such cases to the Wampanoags, under the peace treaties the Wampanoags and the English had both agreed. Plymouth Colony breached the treaty, and decided to try the case under European law, before the General Court at Plymouth.
During the trial, Patuckson gave his testimony. He told of the murder, where he was when he witnessed it, and how the defendants tried to dispose of the body. He was the only witness, and, at the time, English precedent held that there had to be at least two corroborating witnesses for capital punishment to be administered. Patuckson’s testimony was called into question when it was uncovered that he owed a gambling debt to Tobias. The jury convicted the three and were sentenced to death. The death sentences infringed on Wampanaog sovereignty.
Execution Day
On June 8 1675, Mattashunnamo and Tobias took their places at the gallows, and were hung. Tobias’ son, Wampapaquan then took his place at the gallows, Wampapaquan was swung by his neck—dropped into the air by the hangman’s noose. However, the rope snapped, and he fell to the ground, alive. In a moment of panic, he confessed that he and the other two defendants were responsible for the murder, but that he was “no actor in it, yet a looker on.” He then implicated Metacomet (King Philip) in the murder, suggesting that the defendants were acting under the sachem’s orders.
A failed execution usually exempted the condemned from further punishment, and a promised pardon would be given in exchange for a confession. This should have exonerated Wampapaquan after he survived the botched hanging. The Plymouth authorities showed no mercy. Wampapaquan was never set free, and was shot to death by Plymouth authorities.
June 23 1675 War Begins Swansea, Mass.
An Englishman was shot, and his wife and son scalped after killing a Wampanoag. The following day 6 or 7 more were killed in Swansea. Those killed were returning from religious services. During the skirmish one of the Indian warriors was killed. King Philip responded to this by ordering a full attack on Swansea on June 24 1675, which became the first official battle of the King Philip's War. On hearing of the attack on Swansea, the governor of Plymouth Colony sent a military force directed by Capt. Samuel Mosley.
An Englishman was shot, and his wife and son scalped after killing a Wampanoag. The following day 6 or 7 more were killed in Swansea. Those killed were returning from religious services. During the skirmish one of the Indian warriors was killed. King Philip responded to this by ordering a full attack on Swansea on June 24 1675, which became the first official battle of the King Philip's War. On hearing of the attack on Swansea, the governor of Plymouth Colony sent a military force directed by Capt. Samuel Mosley.
June 25 1675 Edward Bobbet Berkley, Mass.
Edward Bobbitt and his family were warned at the outset of the King Philip's War of hostilities and took refuge in the garrison at Swansea. Accompanied by his dog, he returned briefly to his home in Berkley to collect necessities, safe in the assumption that the dog would warn him of any prowling Wampanoags. On his way back Bobbitt discovered that he was being pursued. He climbed a tree and was well hidden, but his faithful dog kept barking, disclosing his location to the Wampanoags. Bobbett was shot and killed, His grave is in a private yard near the Berkley/Dighton Bridge, and is thought to be the spot where he was killed.
Later that headstone became part of a stonewall before it was rescued in 1911 and placed with the Old Colony History Museum, where it is preserved and displayed today. Also in 1911, a bronze memorial tablet was placed by Edward's descendants near his grave.
Edward Bobbitt and his family were warned at the outset of the King Philip's War of hostilities and took refuge in the garrison at Swansea. Accompanied by his dog, he returned briefly to his home in Berkley to collect necessities, safe in the assumption that the dog would warn him of any prowling Wampanoags. On his way back Bobbitt discovered that he was being pursued. He climbed a tree and was well hidden, but his faithful dog kept barking, disclosing his location to the Wampanoags. Bobbett was shot and killed, His grave is in a private yard near the Berkley/Dighton Bridge, and is thought to be the spot where he was killed.
Later that headstone became part of a stonewall before it was rescued in 1911 and placed with the Old Colony History Museum, where it is preserved and displayed today. Also in 1911, a bronze memorial tablet was placed by Edward's descendants near his grave.
June 27, 1675, John Tisdale, John Knowles, Samuel Atkins Freetown, Mass. King Philip's War came to Freetown resulting in John Tisdale, John Knowles, Samuel Atkins being killed by Wampanoags. John Tisdale's house was burned as was the house of his brother-in-law James Walker. Tisdale's gun was carried off by the Wampanoags. The gun was recovered in Rehoboth on August 1, 1675, where it was found with the body of a Wampanoag who had been killed.
On March 6, 1677, three (3) Wampanoags: Timothy Jacked, Massamaquat and Pompachonshe were indicted for the murder of John Tisdale and the other two men, on the evidence of having Tisdale's gun. Charges against one were dropped for lack of evidence. The other two were deemed probably guilty. All three were sold into slavery and removed from the country.
Who was John Tisdale (1614-1675)?
John Tisdale (1614-1675) came from England in 1634 to Plymouth Plantation. In March 1643 sold his land in Duxbury and moved his family to Taunton. He built his home on the east side of the Great River at Assonet, about three and one-half miles from Taunton Green, and bordering what is now Berkley.
In June 1645 John was appointed Constable of Duxbury. In 1650 was named a selectman in Taunton, and in 1655 served at Constable. In 1658 he was again elected Constable and also selectman of Taunton. In 1659 he and twenty-five (25) others organized "Yee Freeman's Purchase" and bought, from the Wampanoags, the settlement that was known as Freetown. The purchase price included coats, rugs, pots, kettles, shoes, hatchets and cloth. Tisdale was again voted as selectman in 1672 (and 1675) and in 1674 he was a representative of the General Court at Plymouth.
Tisdale Burying Grounds
The burying ground is a revolutionary-era cemetery and contains 32 graves. The cemetery currently is located within the boundaries of the Porter Pasture conservation land. Most of the Tisdale Family are buried in the cemetery. Interesting to note, the grave of Joshua Tisdale (1646-1718) is marked with a large gray stone, however his name nor dates are engraved on it. It only says, "He lies the body of".
On March 6, 1677, three (3) Wampanoags: Timothy Jacked, Massamaquat and Pompachonshe were indicted for the murder of John Tisdale and the other two men, on the evidence of having Tisdale's gun. Charges against one were dropped for lack of evidence. The other two were deemed probably guilty. All three were sold into slavery and removed from the country.
Who was John Tisdale (1614-1675)?
John Tisdale (1614-1675) came from England in 1634 to Plymouth Plantation. In March 1643 sold his land in Duxbury and moved his family to Taunton. He built his home on the east side of the Great River at Assonet, about three and one-half miles from Taunton Green, and bordering what is now Berkley.
In June 1645 John was appointed Constable of Duxbury. In 1650 was named a selectman in Taunton, and in 1655 served at Constable. In 1658 he was again elected Constable and also selectman of Taunton. In 1659 he and twenty-five (25) others organized "Yee Freeman's Purchase" and bought, from the Wampanoags, the settlement that was known as Freetown. The purchase price included coats, rugs, pots, kettles, shoes, hatchets and cloth. Tisdale was again voted as selectman in 1672 (and 1675) and in 1674 he was a representative of the General Court at Plymouth.
Tisdale Burying Grounds
The burying ground is a revolutionary-era cemetery and contains 32 graves. The cemetery currently is located within the boundaries of the Porter Pasture conservation land. Most of the Tisdale Family are buried in the cemetery. Interesting to note, the grave of Joshua Tisdale (1646-1718) is marked with a large gray stone, however his name nor dates are engraved on it. It only says, "He lies the body of".
June 1675 Russell's Garrison Dartmouth, Mass.
The war quickly spread to Dartmouth, a region spanning from New Bedford to Little Compton in those days. It is estimated there were perhaps 37 English houses in Old Dartmouth at the time the war broke out in June.
A few settlers Dartmouth were killed, and dozens of houses and barns burned by the Wampanoags. The survivors of the Dartmouth attacks fled to Russell's Garrison at Apponagansett, to Cooke's Garrison in Acushnet, or to Plymouth. Reinforcements of militiamen soon came from Plymouth to help protect the garrison houses in Dartmouth and Swansea, and the English went on the offensive. The English forces immediately began staging counterattacks against the hostile natives, fighting many skirmishes throughout the area in the following weeks.
On July 29-30, a band of warriors attacked the fortified Russell's Garrison. One of the colony's best Wampanoag fighter turned out to be a Dartmouth man — Colonel Benjamin Church of Little Compton, then a part of Old Dartmouth.
There are no real descriptive accounts of the attack in Dartmouth by anyone who was present there.
Dartmouth Residents Killed
History has identified several Dartmouth residents who were murdered by the Indians. Anthony Slocum, who had moved from Taunton to Dartmouth in 1662. He established his home on the west bank of the Paskamansett and was killed by Natives during the fighting.
Jacob Mitchell (32) and his wife Susannah (26) and John Pope (21), the latter's brother, were killed in July 1675 in Fairhaven on their way to John Cooke's garrison house and Zoeth Howland, the Quaker, was killed at the ferry where the Stone Bridge now is in Tiverton.
Russell's Garrison (Fort Street)
John Russell came to Dartmouth from Marshfield about 1660. Russell has served as a constable, surveyor and active in the new school system in Marshfield. He built his homestead on what was known as the Old Fort Brook, now known as Fort Street. Although not originally built as a safe haven, it gained that reputation during the King Philip’s War. It was one of only about 30 homes in Dartmouth at the time.
There’s no indication the home the Russell family lived in was altered to use as a defensive spot during King Philip’s War, but it was during this period and in colonial records that Russell’s home began to be referred to as ‘The Garrison'. Russell and his wife, Dorothy, raised their three sons John Jr., Jonathan, and Joseph. He constructed his large home on the shore, and it was called "The Castle". Here he raised apples in "Russell's Orchard".
In July 1675, a group of eight (8) Wampanoags surrendered their weapons and sought refuge at the garrison. Russell agreed and offered them Little Island – thought to be land nearby extending into the harbor – as refuge. Later on, they were taken to Plymouth, but considered enemies and sold into slavery.
Historical records fail to mention the activity after King Philips War at the garrison. In 1951, A developer proposed to build a subdivision on the site. One Dartmouth resident was up to the challenge of saving the property: Oliver Garrison Ricketson, an archaeologist. He volunteered to conduct an archaeological survey and excavation of the property. Ricketson’s data led to the reconstruction of the walls of the garrison, which still exist to this day – although they were filled in in the 1980s due to safety and structural issues, leaving only the tops of the walls visible.
There, on a sign for the public interest, the words read: “On this site inside the home outlined by its remaining foundation, local citizens sheltered in 1675 as they sought safety from attacking Native Americans.” Clearly the Native American perspective is erased.
Legend: A Wampanoag was indulging in defiant gestures toward the garrison from Heathen's Neck (now Star of the Sea). Specifically, he turned his back and pulled down his pants. Someone inside the garrison then discharged a rifle - shooting a musket ball - killing the Wampanoag. The distance was nearly half a mile, and this might lead to a doubt as to the validity of the story. However, when the inventory of the Estate of Abraham Sherman was conducted in 1772, the will stated: “A gun which is said once killed an Indian across Apponagansett River from ye old castle on Russell’s land to Heathen Neck." Where this rifle is today is unknown.
The war quickly spread to Dartmouth, a region spanning from New Bedford to Little Compton in those days. It is estimated there were perhaps 37 English houses in Old Dartmouth at the time the war broke out in June.
A few settlers Dartmouth were killed, and dozens of houses and barns burned by the Wampanoags. The survivors of the Dartmouth attacks fled to Russell's Garrison at Apponagansett, to Cooke's Garrison in Acushnet, or to Plymouth. Reinforcements of militiamen soon came from Plymouth to help protect the garrison houses in Dartmouth and Swansea, and the English went on the offensive. The English forces immediately began staging counterattacks against the hostile natives, fighting many skirmishes throughout the area in the following weeks.
On July 29-30, a band of warriors attacked the fortified Russell's Garrison. One of the colony's best Wampanoag fighter turned out to be a Dartmouth man — Colonel Benjamin Church of Little Compton, then a part of Old Dartmouth.
There are no real descriptive accounts of the attack in Dartmouth by anyone who was present there.
Dartmouth Residents Killed
History has identified several Dartmouth residents who were murdered by the Indians. Anthony Slocum, who had moved from Taunton to Dartmouth in 1662. He established his home on the west bank of the Paskamansett and was killed by Natives during the fighting.
Jacob Mitchell (32) and his wife Susannah (26) and John Pope (21), the latter's brother, were killed in July 1675 in Fairhaven on their way to John Cooke's garrison house and Zoeth Howland, the Quaker, was killed at the ferry where the Stone Bridge now is in Tiverton.
Russell's Garrison (Fort Street)
John Russell came to Dartmouth from Marshfield about 1660. Russell has served as a constable, surveyor and active in the new school system in Marshfield. He built his homestead on what was known as the Old Fort Brook, now known as Fort Street. Although not originally built as a safe haven, it gained that reputation during the King Philip’s War. It was one of only about 30 homes in Dartmouth at the time.
There’s no indication the home the Russell family lived in was altered to use as a defensive spot during King Philip’s War, but it was during this period and in colonial records that Russell’s home began to be referred to as ‘The Garrison'. Russell and his wife, Dorothy, raised their three sons John Jr., Jonathan, and Joseph. He constructed his large home on the shore, and it was called "The Castle". Here he raised apples in "Russell's Orchard".
In July 1675, a group of eight (8) Wampanoags surrendered their weapons and sought refuge at the garrison. Russell agreed and offered them Little Island – thought to be land nearby extending into the harbor – as refuge. Later on, they were taken to Plymouth, but considered enemies and sold into slavery.
Historical records fail to mention the activity after King Philips War at the garrison. In 1951, A developer proposed to build a subdivision on the site. One Dartmouth resident was up to the challenge of saving the property: Oliver Garrison Ricketson, an archaeologist. He volunteered to conduct an archaeological survey and excavation of the property. Ricketson’s data led to the reconstruction of the walls of the garrison, which still exist to this day – although they were filled in in the 1980s due to safety and structural issues, leaving only the tops of the walls visible.
There, on a sign for the public interest, the words read: “On this site inside the home outlined by its remaining foundation, local citizens sheltered in 1675 as they sought safety from attacking Native Americans.” Clearly the Native American perspective is erased.
Legend: A Wampanoag was indulging in defiant gestures toward the garrison from Heathen's Neck (now Star of the Sea). Specifically, he turned his back and pulled down his pants. Someone inside the garrison then discharged a rifle - shooting a musket ball - killing the Wampanoag. The distance was nearly half a mile, and this might lead to a doubt as to the validity of the story. However, when the inventory of the Estate of Abraham Sherman was conducted in 1772, the will stated: “A gun which is said once killed an Indian across Apponagansett River from ye old castle on Russell’s land to Heathen Neck." Where this rifle is today is unknown.
King Philips Family Captured Taunton, Mass. Throughout the summer the Wampanoags were hunted down by Capt. Benjamin Church's rangers and scouts. On July 31, 1676, Akkompoin, a brother of Massasoit, and uncle to King Philip, while attempting to cross the Taunton River by means of a downed tree, was fired upon by some Bridgewater residents and killed, as well as several other Wampanoags. King Philip's sister, Sarah, was captured the same day.
August 1, 1676
Wootonekanuse, the wife of King Philip, and their son about nine years of age, together with 178 other Indian women and children, were taken prisoners by the English. Many stood trial and were condemned and were sold into slavery to the Spanish who shipped them off to the West Indies.
Some historians say that Wookanuske and her son were sold as slaves and lived on a rice plantation in Barbados. Other historians say they were put on board a vessel in Boston Bay, bound for the West Indies. They sailed past Cape Cod, and through the waters between Buzzard's Bay and the islands. As the ship skirted the coast of Rhode Island, Wookanuske stood on deck with her boy. She gazed eyes at the high, white flint rock of Mount Hope, where she so often stood with Philip. As night came on, she folded the boy to her bosom and silently and swiftly slipped over the side of the vessel into the water.
August 12, 1676
Church's troops had caught up to Philip and sub-chief Anawon at Mt Hope area in Misery Swamp. During the Misery Swamp fight, Anawan was heard yelling “lootash lootash” which is Algonquin for “Stand to it and fight stoutly”. One of the Natives named John Alderman who was allied with Church shot Philip dead there on the spot, Anawon escaped. Church had Philip's body dragged out of the swamp and had it chopped into pieces with four (4) large pieces hung from four (4) trees. Capt. Church gave Philip’s head and deformed hand to Alderman as a reward, Alderman sold Philip’s head to Plymouth authorities for 30 shillings, and it was placed on a stake in Plymouth colony on August 17, 1676, where it remained for 25 years.
"The English who came first to this country were but a handful of people, forlorn, poor and distressed. My father was then sachem. He relieved their distresses in the most kind and hospitable manner. He gave them land to plant and build upon.…They flourished and increased.…By various means they got possessed of a great part of his territory. But he still remained their friend till he died. My elder brother became sachem. They pretended to suspect him of evil designs against them. He was seized and confined and thereby thrown into illness and died. Soon after I became sachem, they disarmed all my people.…Their lands were taken.…But a small part of the dominion of my ancestors remains. I am determined not to live until I have no country." - King Philip
August 28, 1676
Capt. Benjamin Church and his group of soldiers captured Wampanoag Chief Anawan in Rehobeth, who became chief when King Philip was captured and killed two weeks earlier. After being captured Capt. Church and Chief Anawan had dinner together, and assured Anawan that his men would be spared, but he could not promise that for him. After several hours, Anawan got up and walked into the darkness, Capt. Church was very suspicious. Anawan returned with a package and sat next to Capt. Church and in perfect English stated: “Great Captain, you have killed Philip, and conquered his country; for I believe that I am my company are the last that war against the English, so suppose the war is ended by your means; and therefore, these belong to you.” The package contained King Philip's wampum belt. The belt (simular to a headband) is 9 inches wide made of wampum and is described as deep purple and white with red hair at either end. The belt has a bird, beast and flower decoration. There was a smaller belt worn by King Phillip on his head and a belt worn around his neck which had a pewter star hanging from it. Chief Anawan and the others captured were marched to Plymouth then executed.
Conclusion
Philip's War lasted but little more than a year and a half, in 1675 and 1676, was by far the most disastrous event in the early history of New England. About six hundred (600) of the white settlers perished, and their houses were in ruins. Many towns were utterly destroyed, and it is said that there was scarcely a family in the settlements but had lost one or more of its members. All of the houses and outbuildings burned. Although it was not the scene of many of the bloody atrocities which occurred in not a few of the towns in New England.
The Wampanoags lost the war, their land, their relatives, and much of their way of life. Many Wampanoag people survived and today live in the Massachusetts and Cape Cod area. The few Wampanoag currently living in the Caribbean probably descend from ancestors taken there as slaves. Some Wampanoag live on Aquinnah on Martha’s Vineyard, some in Mashpee on Cape Cod.
August 1, 1676
Wootonekanuse, the wife of King Philip, and their son about nine years of age, together with 178 other Indian women and children, were taken prisoners by the English. Many stood trial and were condemned and were sold into slavery to the Spanish who shipped them off to the West Indies.
Some historians say that Wookanuske and her son were sold as slaves and lived on a rice plantation in Barbados. Other historians say they were put on board a vessel in Boston Bay, bound for the West Indies. They sailed past Cape Cod, and through the waters between Buzzard's Bay and the islands. As the ship skirted the coast of Rhode Island, Wookanuske stood on deck with her boy. She gazed eyes at the high, white flint rock of Mount Hope, where she so often stood with Philip. As night came on, she folded the boy to her bosom and silently and swiftly slipped over the side of the vessel into the water.
August 12, 1676
Church's troops had caught up to Philip and sub-chief Anawon at Mt Hope area in Misery Swamp. During the Misery Swamp fight, Anawan was heard yelling “lootash lootash” which is Algonquin for “Stand to it and fight stoutly”. One of the Natives named John Alderman who was allied with Church shot Philip dead there on the spot, Anawon escaped. Church had Philip's body dragged out of the swamp and had it chopped into pieces with four (4) large pieces hung from four (4) trees. Capt. Church gave Philip’s head and deformed hand to Alderman as a reward, Alderman sold Philip’s head to Plymouth authorities for 30 shillings, and it was placed on a stake in Plymouth colony on August 17, 1676, where it remained for 25 years.
"The English who came first to this country were but a handful of people, forlorn, poor and distressed. My father was then sachem. He relieved their distresses in the most kind and hospitable manner. He gave them land to plant and build upon.…They flourished and increased.…By various means they got possessed of a great part of his territory. But he still remained their friend till he died. My elder brother became sachem. They pretended to suspect him of evil designs against them. He was seized and confined and thereby thrown into illness and died. Soon after I became sachem, they disarmed all my people.…Their lands were taken.…But a small part of the dominion of my ancestors remains. I am determined not to live until I have no country." - King Philip
August 28, 1676
Capt. Benjamin Church and his group of soldiers captured Wampanoag Chief Anawan in Rehobeth, who became chief when King Philip was captured and killed two weeks earlier. After being captured Capt. Church and Chief Anawan had dinner together, and assured Anawan that his men would be spared, but he could not promise that for him. After several hours, Anawan got up and walked into the darkness, Capt. Church was very suspicious. Anawan returned with a package and sat next to Capt. Church and in perfect English stated: “Great Captain, you have killed Philip, and conquered his country; for I believe that I am my company are the last that war against the English, so suppose the war is ended by your means; and therefore, these belong to you.” The package contained King Philip's wampum belt. The belt (simular to a headband) is 9 inches wide made of wampum and is described as deep purple and white with red hair at either end. The belt has a bird, beast and flower decoration. There was a smaller belt worn by King Phillip on his head and a belt worn around his neck which had a pewter star hanging from it. Chief Anawan and the others captured were marched to Plymouth then executed.
Conclusion
Philip's War lasted but little more than a year and a half, in 1675 and 1676, was by far the most disastrous event in the early history of New England. About six hundred (600) of the white settlers perished, and their houses were in ruins. Many towns were utterly destroyed, and it is said that there was scarcely a family in the settlements but had lost one or more of its members. All of the houses and outbuildings burned. Although it was not the scene of many of the bloody atrocities which occurred in not a few of the towns in New England.
The Wampanoags lost the war, their land, their relatives, and much of their way of life. Many Wampanoag people survived and today live in the Massachusetts and Cape Cod area. The few Wampanoag currently living in the Caribbean probably descend from ancestors taken there as slaves. Some Wampanoag live on Aquinnah on Martha’s Vineyard, some in Mashpee on Cape Cod.
King Philip's Lost Belt
According to Wampanoag history, "The wampum belt is read (like a story); the middle four dots made of conch shells read north, south, east, and west. The white pyramids made out of conch shell are located on either end or depict the totem of the wolf, the totem of the Wampanoag Nation. The directions (north, south, east and west) indicate they are the children of the first light from the east. Two white crosses appear to be Christian crosses done in the Native American way. The crosses stand neutralized by the four white marks above and below which nullifies the Christian status of the tribe. This was usually done by North American tribes who are forced to accept Christianity. The background of the wampum belt is beaded in deep purple quahog shell commonly found in Mt. Hope Bay off the coast of Bristol RI." Historical records show the belt was sent to England and King Charles II took possession of them. The whereabouts of the belt is unknown today.
The diary of Church’s son states:
“Philip’s belt, curiously woven of wampum nine inches broad in black and white figures and flowers, and many pictures of birds and bears. This when hung upon Captain Church’s shoulders it reached to his ankles. And another belt of wampum he presented to him wrought after the former manner, which Philip was wont to put upon his head. It had two flags on the back part which hung down his back, and another small belt with a star upon the end of it, while he used to hang upon his breast.”
Has the belt been located?
In 1993 Massachusetts Representative Phillip Travis, while vacationing, snapped a photo of some Native American wampum belts that were on display at the British Museum in the coinage room. The photos were investigated, and it was determined (based on Wampanoag history) to be in fact the famous King Philip's Belt that has been unaccounted for three hundred years.
On March 2, 1995, the Massachusetts House of Representatives adopted a resolution requesting his excellency, British Prime Minister John Major, to return the Wampanoag nation certain sacred artifacts.
In response, The British government promised to find the wampum belt. Spokesperson (at that time) Teresa Evans for the British Consulate in Boston stated "Prime Minister John Major has directed the Department of National Heritage to search for the belt. They are having a hard time locating it, it will take further investigation."
In 1996 Representative Travis sent another letter as a follow-up to the initial letter in 1995. No response was received.
Representative Travis left public office and no further action has been taken on this matter.
New Wampum Belt 2020
The creation of a new Wampum Belt is hugely symbolic and will help tell the Wampanoag story. The new belt consisting of 3,570 wampum beads, which bind together to give life to powerful creatures like the whale, turtle, white pine and traditional dancers.
The production of the Wampum belt included brain-tanning deer hide work done by Andre Strong Bear Heart Gaines of the Nipmuc Nation, the series included contributions from all Wampanoag bands including the Mashpee, Herring Pond, Assonet, Aquinnah, and Namasket bands of Wampanoag.
According to Wampanoag history, "The wampum belt is read (like a story); the middle four dots made of conch shells read north, south, east, and west. The white pyramids made out of conch shell are located on either end or depict the totem of the wolf, the totem of the Wampanoag Nation. The directions (north, south, east and west) indicate they are the children of the first light from the east. Two white crosses appear to be Christian crosses done in the Native American way. The crosses stand neutralized by the four white marks above and below which nullifies the Christian status of the tribe. This was usually done by North American tribes who are forced to accept Christianity. The background of the wampum belt is beaded in deep purple quahog shell commonly found in Mt. Hope Bay off the coast of Bristol RI." Historical records show the belt was sent to England and King Charles II took possession of them. The whereabouts of the belt is unknown today.
The diary of Church’s son states:
“Philip’s belt, curiously woven of wampum nine inches broad in black and white figures and flowers, and many pictures of birds and bears. This when hung upon Captain Church’s shoulders it reached to his ankles. And another belt of wampum he presented to him wrought after the former manner, which Philip was wont to put upon his head. It had two flags on the back part which hung down his back, and another small belt with a star upon the end of it, while he used to hang upon his breast.”
Has the belt been located?
In 1993 Massachusetts Representative Phillip Travis, while vacationing, snapped a photo of some Native American wampum belts that were on display at the British Museum in the coinage room. The photos were investigated, and it was determined (based on Wampanoag history) to be in fact the famous King Philip's Belt that has been unaccounted for three hundred years.
On March 2, 1995, the Massachusetts House of Representatives adopted a resolution requesting his excellency, British Prime Minister John Major, to return the Wampanoag nation certain sacred artifacts.
In response, The British government promised to find the wampum belt. Spokesperson (at that time) Teresa Evans for the British Consulate in Boston stated "Prime Minister John Major has directed the Department of National Heritage to search for the belt. They are having a hard time locating it, it will take further investigation."
In 1996 Representative Travis sent another letter as a follow-up to the initial letter in 1995. No response was received.
Representative Travis left public office and no further action has been taken on this matter.
New Wampum Belt 2020
The creation of a new Wampum Belt is hugely symbolic and will help tell the Wampanoag story. The new belt consisting of 3,570 wampum beads, which bind together to give life to powerful creatures like the whale, turtle, white pine and traditional dancers.
The production of the Wampum belt included brain-tanning deer hide work done by Andre Strong Bear Heart Gaines of the Nipmuc Nation, the series included contributions from all Wampanoag bands including the Mashpee, Herring Pond, Assonet, Aquinnah, and Namasket bands of Wampanoag.