Journey Through Time: Unpacking the Great Swamp Massacre
Join us as we “Travel in Time with Dan” to Rhode Island, where we explore the solemn history commemorated by the Great Swamp Massacre Monument. This monument, erected in 1906, stands as a stark reminder of one of the United States’ bloodiest days in its bloodiest war.
The Monument’s Message
The monument itself is a powerful symbol. A tall obelisk, put up in 1906, represents the Narragansett Indian tribe. Surrounding it are four huge blocks, symbolizing the four New England colonies—Connecticut, Massachusetts, Plymouth, and Rhode Island—that fought against the Narragansett. It serves not to glorify, but as a solemn reminder of what happened and how such events should be avoided at all costs.
The Unfolding of King Philip’s War (1675-1676)
The year is 1675, and the conflict known as King Philip’s War is raging across New England. At its heart is Metacom, also known as King Philip, leader of the Wampanoag people. While Metacom’s father had a good relationship with Plymouth Colony, things changed after his death. Cultural misunderstandings grew, particularly concerning the colonists’ expanding farming practices which encroached upon Native American hunting grounds.
Metacom began advocating for Native Americans to fight back against the New England colonies. A key turning point involved John Sassamon, a Christianized Native American educated at Harvard, who served as an informant to the colonies. Sassamon alerted the colonists to Metacom’s efforts to form alliances among Native American tribes.
- The colonies responded by demanding that King Philip surrender his guns and sign an agreement, which was seen as humiliating.
- Tragically, John Sassamon was found dead. While seen by some Native Americans as a traitor, three Native Americans were put on trial by the New England colonists, a trial viewed as a “sham” by Native Americans, leading to their execution. This incident is considered the “proverbial shot fired” that ignited King Philip’s War.
The war was devastating, with about half of New England towns attacked; Providence, Rhode Island, for instance, was burned to the ground. Interestingly, the Narragansett Indians, along with figures like Roger Sherman in Providence, initially sought neutrality, but were ultimately drawn into the conflict.
The Great Swamp Massacre: December 19, 1675
In 1675, a lunar eclipse was seen by Native Americans as a positive omen to intensify their attacks on New England villages. The colonists, in response, assembled the largest colonial army of that era, comprising over a thousand soldiers and several hundred Native American allies, including Mohegans and Pequots from Connecticut.
It’s ironic to note that the Narragansett had previously fought alongside colonists against the Pequots in the Pequot War, participating in the Mystic, Connecticut massacre. Years later, the Pequots and Mohegans would “return the favor” in the Narragansett massacre.
The colonial forces sought a Narragansett fort deep within a swamp. They relied on a captured Narragansett individual named Peter, who, under duress, led them to the fort. The swamp was frozen due to the bitter cold and snow, allowing the troops to march across the ice, a significant advantage.
Upon reaching the fort, the colonists were surprised by its size and construction. Peter revealed a weak spot in the wall that was not yet finished, through which the colonial forces launched their attack. The ensuing events were horrific:
- The fort was burned.
- Food supplies were destroyed.
- Hundreds of Narragansett, including men, women, and children, were killed in what was a “total massacre”.
Metacom himself managed to escape the immediate massacre. However, later in the war, he was found and killed by another Native American named John Alderman, under the command of Benjamin Church. Metacom’s death effectively marked the end of Native American efforts to push back against colonial rule, leading to a permanent shift in power.
Leadership Lessons from History
The critical leadership lessons drawn from this tragic history:
- Avoid Fear-Driven Decisions: The desire for neutrality was present, but fear ultimately led to terrible outcomes.
- Embrace Neutrality as Leadership: Seeking peaceful means and neutrality should always be a priority.
- Legacy Leadership: The monument itself is a testament to legacy leadership, serving as a solemn reminder to prevent such atrocities from recurring.
The Great Swamp Massacre Monument is more than just stone and bronze; it’s a powerful history lesson, urging us to reflect on past conflicts and strive for understanding and peace in the future.
Uncovering History. Inspiring Leadership. The Travel in Time Show is where travel, history, and leadership intermingle with history teacher, author, and speaker Dan Blanchard
*Check out Dan’s book, “Travel in Time in Connecticut”: https://www.amazon.com/Travel-Time-Co...
*Watch Dan’s YouTube video on this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nczWAfrj1Sw&t=2s
*Listen to Dan’s podcast on this episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4RuAMMQUqIINgXbGrAWqcc?si=RzWljZ44Rc2LcTF_wyYjZg
*See Dan’s Interview with King Phillip (Metacomet): https://granddaddyssecrets.com/travel-in-time-with-dan-18-interview-from-the-past-with-king-phillip-metacomet/
*Learn more about Dan: https://granddaddyssecrets.com/