The Amaseconti Tribe, also documented as Odanak or St. Francis River Abenakis, represented a distinct, albeit small, division or band within the broader Abenaki nation. Historically, their presence was noted in two primary locations within western Maine. One settlement thrived near Farmington Falls, nestled along the banks of the Sandy River in what is now Franklin County. The other Amaseconti village was situated in close proximity to the modern-day town of New Sharon, strategically positioned between the upper reaches of the Kennebec and Androscoggin rivers.
The Abenaki, as a whole, hold a significant position in the history and culture of the northeastern United States and Canada. They are one of the five founding members of the esteemed Wabanaki Confederacy, a political and military alliance formed to protect their lands and interests against encroaching European settlers. This confederacy, also known as the "People of the Dawnland," played a crucial role in shaping the early interactions between indigenous populations and colonial powers.
The historical record indicates that the Amaseconti Tribe actively participated alongside other Abenaki groups in the various Indian wars that punctuated the early colonial period. These conflicts arose from disputes over land, resources, and sovereignty, as European settlers increasingly sought to expand their territory and influence. In 1713, the Amaseconti joined their Abenaki brethren in signing a treaty at Portsmouth, New Hampshire. This treaty, like many others of the era, aimed to establish a fragile peace between the indigenous nations and the English colonists. However, the treaty’s terms were often unevenly enforced, leading to continued tensions and sporadic outbreaks of violence.
Despite the pressures of colonization, some members of the Amaseconti Tribe remained in their ancestral homelands in western Maine for several decades. However, by approximately 1797, the last remaining family chose to relocate to St. Francis, Quebec, Canada. This migration was likely driven by a combination of factors, including dwindling resources, increasing settler encroachment, and the desire to maintain their cultural identity within a larger Abenaki community. Even after their relocation, the Amaseconti maintained their distinctive tribal name until around 1809, serving as a testament to their enduring sense of identity and heritage.
The name "Amaseconti" itself carries significant meaning, reflecting the tribe’s intimate connection to the natural environment. It is believed to translate to "abundance of small fish," with specific reference to the herring that thrived in the rivers and streams of their territory. This abundance of fish played a vital role in the Amaseconti’s subsistence and cultural practices.
The valley of the Sandy River, located approximately eighty miles due north of Portland, Maine, served as a central hub for the Amaseconti. The river’s main sources originate in the two Sandy River Ponds, situated just south of Saddleback Mountain. From these headwaters, the river flows southeast, eventually encountering a small waterfall before turning northeast and gradually increasing in size as it makes its way towards its confluence with the Kennebec River.
Prior to European settlement, the Sandy River and its surrounding ecosystem teemed with life. Atlantic salmon, alewives, shad, sturgeon, and striped bass migrated far upstream to their spawning grounds, creating a rich and plentiful source of food for the Amaseconti. The surrounding forests and streams were also home to a diverse array of wildlife, including beaver, otter, sable, ermine, moose, and deer. Natural meadows, though relatively small and few in number, provided additional resources and habitat. The forests were characterized by a variety of tree species, including maple, beech, ash, elm, basswood, pine, hemlock, fir, spruce, and cedar. Oak trees were more prevalent in the highlands, while black larch, also known as "hackmetack," thrived in the low-lying areas.
The Amaseconti Tribe, as an offshoot of the larger Abenaki nation, were the first people to establish permanent settlements in the Sandy River valley. They established two villages along the riverbanks: one located at the falls (now Farmington Falls) and another a few miles downstream to the northeast. These villages served as centers of community life, providing shelter, sustenance, and social connection for the Amaseconti people.
The Amaseconti referred to their valley home as "Mussalunsquit," a name that translates to "good hunting place." This name speaks volumes about the tribe’s deep understanding of the natural world and their reliance on hunting as a primary source of sustenance. While the exact date of their arrival in the valley remains uncertain, their presence undoubtedly predates European colonization, marking them as the original stewards of this land.
The Amaseconti cleared a substantial tract of land along the river, stretching from the area that is now Farmington Falls (where their primary village was located) to the edge of present-day New Sharon. This cleared land was used for agriculture, allowing the Amaseconti to cultivate crops and supplement their diet with cultivated foods.
Unlike some other indigenous groups who practiced a more nomadic lifestyle, the Abenaki, including the Amaseconti, generally maintained a stable population base. Once settled in a particular area, they tended to remain there, establishing permanent villages and cultivating the land. While some branches of the Abenaki would migrate from lakeside or riverside locations to the hills for better shelter during the winter months, the Amaseconti benefited from a prime location that offered both river access and proximity to the hills.
The Amaseconti practiced a mixed economy, relying on both agriculture and hunting/gathering for their sustenance. They cultivated crops such as corn, beans, squash, and potatoes, which formed an important part of their diet. The river also provided a rich source of food, with salmon and alewives being readily caught using nets or spears. In addition to fishing, the Amaseconti hunted non-migratory game such as moose and deer for meat and hides, using bows and arrows or employing snares and traps to catch smaller game.
While the Amaseconti primarily relied on their own resources, they also occasionally interacted with trappers who passed through the area in search of valuable fur-bearing animals. However, this limited trapping activity did not significantly impact the overall animal population, allowing the Amaseconti to maintain a sustainable relationship with their environment.
The Amaseconti Tribe possessed an extensive knowledge of wild foods and medicinal plants. They gathered berries, nuts, mushrooms, and maple syrup from the surrounding forests, supplementing their diet with these natural resources. They also had a deep understanding of the medicinal properties of various plants, using them to treat illnesses and injuries.
The Amaseconti lived in wigwams, which were dome-shaped dwellings constructed from saplings and covered with bark, mats, or hides. These wigwams were well-suited to the harsh climate of the region, providing protection from high winds and heavy snows. Unlike the conical tipis used by the Plains Indians, the Amaseconti wigwams were typically eight feet high and had a diameter of 10 to 16 feet.
The men were responsible for constructing the frames of the wigwams. They cut down saplings that were ten to fifteen feet long, bending the longer ones into arches and placing them around a circle or oval drawn on the ground. The shorter saplings were then wrapped around the longer ones to provide additional support. The sides and roof were covered with birchbark, elm bark, reed mats, or a combination of these materials. Bed platforms were often attached to the inner frame, providing a comfortable sleeping surface and additional storage space.
Larger wigwams or wigwams of different shapes could accommodate larger families or provide a meeting space for community gatherings. These structures served as more than just shelters; they were centers of family life and community interaction.
The Amaseconti Tribe was a relatively small group, led by a civil chief who advised and facilitated decisions made by a council composed of representatives from all the families. This system of governance emphasized consensus-building and shared decision-making, rather than unilateral rule. In matters relating to the defense of the group, a separate war chief led a council composed of all adult men and women. This ensured that both men and women had a voice in decisions that affected the safety and security of the community.
By the mid-1700s, the Abenaki population as a whole had suffered significant losses due to a series of plagues, including a particularly devastating outbreak in 1617 that resulted in a mortality rate of 75%. It is highly likely that the Amaseconti were also affected by these plagues, experiencing similar population declines.
Alternate spellings of the tribe’s name include Amesokanti and Anmissoukanti. These variations reflect the challenges of transliterating indigenous languages into English and the fluidity of spelling conventions during the historical period.
