Travel in Time with Dan: Fictional Interview with King Philip (Metacomet) on the Great Swamp Massacre, R.I.
Dan: Hello, everyone! Today, I’m here at the Great Swamp Massacre Monument in Rhode Island, and I have the incredible opportunity to “sit down” with King Philip, also known as Metacomet. Thank you for joining me, King Philip.
King Philip: Greetings, Dan. It is rare for me to speak across time, but I will share what I can.
Dan: Let’s start at the beginning. What was happening among your people and the New England colonists before the war?
King Philip: My father maintained peace with the Plymouth Colony. Our people hunted and farmed on these lands, and there was understanding. But when he died, the settlers expanded their farms and settlements, taking more land, disrupting our way of life. Misunderstandings grew.
Dan: That led you to call for resistance?
King Philip: Yes. I saw that to survive, the Native nations had to defend our lands. I tried to gather alliances among different tribes. But there was also John Sassamon, a Christianized Native educated at Harvard, who informed the colonists of my plans.
Dan: And that ultimately led to conflict. How did the Great Swamp Massacre fit into your strategy?
King Philip: Our allies, the Narragansett, sought neutrality at first. But after the so-called trial of the three Native Americans, what you call the “proverbial shot fired” ignited war. When the colonists marched into the swamp in December 1675, they found our fort—but they were aided by Peter, one of our own, who betrayed us. The frozen ground allowed them to attack.
Dan: The massacre was devastating. Hundreds were killed, including men, women, and children. How did you survive?
King Philip: I escaped that day, but I could not evade the war forever. Later, I was found by John Alderman under the command of Benjamin Church. My death marked the end of our organized resistance.
Dan: Looking back, what do you think went wrong?
King Philip: Fear drove decisions on both sides. Neutrality was possible, but it was ignored. Misunderstanding and distrust fueled this tragedy. Had we sought dialogue instead of war, many lives might have been spared.
Dan: Today, the monument behind us stands as a solemn reminder. What message would you want people to take from it?
King Philip: Remember our suffering and strive for peace. Leadership is not only power—it is wisdom, foresight, and the courage to avoid needless bloodshed. Let this stone remind all that fear and mistrust can destroy communities.
Dan: Powerful words, King Philip. Thank you for sharing your story with us today.
King Philip: Walk carefully on the lands of your ancestors, Dan, and remember the cost of war.
