Metacomet, a name resonating through the annals of early American history, stands as a significant figure of resistance against the encroachment of European colonists upon Native American lands. While known to the English settlers primarily as "King Philip," he was also referred to as Metacom or Philip of Pokanoket. Born around 1638 in present-day Massachusetts, he died on August 12, 1676. Metacomet inherited the mantle of leadership from his father, Massasoit, a sagacious sachem who had initially fostered a fragile peace with the Pilgrims. This article delves into the life and legacy of this influential Wampanoag leader, focusing on his rise to power, the events leading to King Philip’s War, and the tragic consequences of that conflict for him and his people.
The Lineage and Ascension of Metacomet
To understand Metacomet’s role in history, it is crucial to examine his familial ties and the circumstances surrounding his rise to power. He was the second son of Massasoit, a prominent sachem of the Wampanoag Confederacy. Massasoit, recognizing the changing dynamics brought about by the influx of European settlers, initially pursued a policy of diplomacy and cooperation with the Plymouth Colony. This approach was driven by a desire to protect his people and maintain their way of life amidst the growing colonial presence.
Upon Massasoit’s death, his eldest son, Wamsutta, also known as Alexander, assumed the role of sachem. However, Wamsutta’s reign was tragically short-lived. In the spring of 1660, both Wamsutta and Metacomet appeared before the Plymouth court, requesting that they be granted English names. The court obliged, renaming Wamsutta as Alexander and Metacomet as Philip.
Shortly after this event, Wamsutta mysteriously died while in English custody. The circumstances surrounding his death remain shrouded in suspicion, with many Wampanoags believing he was poisoned by the colonists. This event deeply impacted Metacomet and fueled his growing distrust of the English. In 1662, following his brother’s untimely demise, Metacomet became sachem of the Wampanoag, inheriting a complex and increasingly strained relationship with the neighboring colonies.
Territory, Alliances, and Personal Life
As sachem, Metacomet presided over a vast territory that encompassed much of southeastern Massachusetts and parts of Rhode Island. This area stretched from the vicinity of modern-day Boston in the north, westward to Warren, Rhode Island, and south and east to the shores of Cape Cod, including the islands of Martha’s Vineyard (Noepe) and Nantucket. His people were deeply connected to the land, relying on its resources for sustenance and cultural identity.
Metacomet understood the importance of alliances in the face of colonial expansion. He forged strong relationships with other Native American tribes, including the Narraganset, Abenaki, Nipmuc, and Mohawk, recognizing the need for a unified front against the encroaching English settlements. These alliances would prove crucial in the upcoming conflict.
Regarding his personal life, Metacomet married Wootonekanuske, the younger sister of Weetamoo, a powerful sunksqua (female chief) of the Pocasset tribe. Weetamoo became a lifelong ally and friend to Metacomet, demonstrating the importance of female leadership and influence within Native American societies. The exact number of children Metacomet and Wootonekanuske had remains unknown. Sadly, after the defeat of the Native Americans in King Philip’s War, Wootonekanuske and one of their sons were captured and sold into slavery in the West Indies, a tragic fate that befell many Native Americans during this period. Historical accounts also indicate that Metacomet purchased his clothing in Boston, highlighting the complex economic interactions that existed between the Native Americans and the colonists, even amidst growing tensions.
The Seeds of Conflict: King Philip’s War
The uneasy peace between the Wampanoag and the English colonies gradually eroded due to a confluence of factors. Land disputes, fueled by the colonists’ insatiable desire for expansion, became increasingly frequent. The colonists’ agricultural practices and hunting habits diminished the game upon which the Native Americans relied, further exacerbating tensions. Moreover, the imposition of English laws and customs undermined Native American sovereignty and cultural practices.
For thirteen years, Metacomet’s leadership kept the colonists on edge, with the ever-present threat of a Native American uprising looming. He skillfully navigated the treacherous political landscape, attempting to protect his people’s interests while avoiding open conflict. However, the simmering tensions finally boiled over in June 1675.
The spark that ignited King Philip’s War was the murder of John Sassamon, a Native American who had converted to Christianity and served as an informer to the English. Sassamon warned the Plymouth authorities of an impending Wampanoag attack, but his information was initially dismissed. When Sassamon was later found dead, three Wampanoag warriors were accused of his murder and subsequently executed by the Plymouth authorities. This act, viewed by many Native Americans as a blatant injustice, proved to be the catalyst for war.
The Fury and the Fall
Following the execution of the Wampanoag warriors, Metacomet rallied his allies, and the conflict known as King Philip’s War erupted. The Native American forces, initially successful, launched devastating attacks on colonial settlements throughout New England. Over half of the ninety-two towns in the region were attacked, and twelve frontier towns were completely destroyed. The war raged for fourteen months, characterized by brutal fighting and immense suffering on both sides. Approximately 3,000 Native Americans and 600 colonists perished in the conflict.
However, the tide of the war gradually turned in favor of the colonists. As the war dragged on, food became scarce, and the Native American alliance began to fracture. Facing dwindling resources and mounting losses, Metacomet was forced to retreat to his ancestral home at Mount Hope.
As the colonists closed in, Metacomet, along with his family and remaining followers, sought refuge in the Great Assowamset Swamp in southern Massachusetts. He managed to evade capture for a time, but was eventually betrayed by an Indian informant. On August 12, 1676, Metacomet was fatally shot by an Indian named John Alderman in the Miery Swamp near Mount Hope in Bristol, Rhode Island.
A Brutal Aftermath and Enduring Legacy
The aftermath of Metacomet’s death was marked by unspeakable brutality. His head was severed and mounted on a pike at the entrance to Fort Plymouth, where it remained for over two decades as a symbol of colonial victory. His body was dismembered and hung in trees. Alderman, the man who killed Metacomet, was rewarded with Metacomet’s right hand.
The capture and enslavement of Metacomet’s family further underscored the devastating consequences of the war for the Native American population. His wife and nine-year-old son were sold into slavery in Bermuda, along with many other Native Americans who surrendered. Some of Metacomet’s supporters managed to escape to Canada, seeking refuge from colonial persecution.
Despite his tragic end, Metacomet’s legacy as a symbol of Native American resistance endures. He is remembered for his courage, his determination to defend his people’s land and way of life, and his unwavering commitment to Native American sovereignty. The remnants of Metacomet’s tribe are known today as the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah), who continue to preserve their cultural heritage and fight for their rights. His story serves as a reminder of the complex and often tragic history of the interactions between Native Americans and European colonists in early America. Metacomet, "King Philip," remains a significant figure in American history.
