Metacomet

Metacomet (died August 12, 1676), also known as King Philip or Metacom, was a war chief or sachem of the Wampanoag Indians and their leader in King Philip's War.

Related Topics:
August 12 - 1676 - Wampanoag - King Philip's War

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Metacomet was the second son of Massasoit, the chief who had befriended the Pilgrims in 1621.

Related Topics:
Massasoit - Pilgrims - 1621

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He became chief in 1662 when his brother Wamsutta (or King Alexander) died.

Related Topics:
1662 - Wamsutta

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At first he sought to live with the colonists.

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As a sachem, he took the lead in much of his tribes trade with the colonies.

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He adopted the European name of Philip, and bought his clothes in Boston.

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But the colonies continued to expand.

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To the west, the Iroquois Confederation continued expanding, pushing hostile tribes east, thereby encroaching on his territory.

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Finally, in 1671 the colonial leaders of the Plymouth Colony forced major concessions from him.

Related Topics:
1671 - Plymouth Colony

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He surrendered much of his tribe's armament and ammunition, and agreed that they were subject to English law.

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The encroachment continued until actual hostilities broke out in 1675.

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Metacomet hurried to catch up with his warriors, to lead them in the uprising that bore his name, King Philip's War.

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When the war eventually turned against him, he took refuge in the great Assowamset Swamp in southern Rhode Island.

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Here he held out for a time, with his family and remaining followers.

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Hunted by a group of rangers lead by Captain Benjamin Church, he was fatally shot by Praying Indian John Alderman, on August 12, 1676 on Mount Hope in Bristol, Rhode Island.

Related Topics:
Captain Benjamin Church - Praying Indian - John Alderman - August 12 - 1676 - Mount Hope - Bristol, Rhode Island

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After his death, his wife and eight year old son were captured and sold as slaves in the Caribbean.

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The 19th century play Metamora; or, The Last of the Wampanoags was an adaptation of his life story.

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The Metacomet Trail & Metacomet-Monadnock Trail are named in his honor.

Related Topics:
Metacomet Trail - Metacomet-Monadnock Trail

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A ship in the United States Navy was named Metacomet in his honor.

Related Topics:
United States Navy - ''Metacomet''

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Metacom Avenue, a road running through Bristol and Warren, Rhode Island, is named after him.

Related Topics:
Bristol - Warren, Rhode Island

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King Philip High School in Wrentham Massachusetts is named after Metacomet.

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