Massasoit

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Massasoit, KC MO - detail

Profile Rock (Assonet)

Sowams - with ancient records of Sowams and parts adjacent-illustrated (1908) (14784453735)

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Wampanoag2

Meeting of Governor Carver and Massasoit - drawn by H.L. Stevens ; eng'd. by Augustus Robin, N.Y. LCCN89707285 (cropped)

The Palace of Massasoit LCCN89707226 (cropped)

Massasoit (c. 1581 – 1661) was the sachem (leader) of the Wampanoag people and a key figure in the early history of the Plymouth Colony in present-day Massachusetts, United States. His role in ensuring the survival of the Pilgrims and the establishment of a peaceful and cooperative relationship between the Wampanoag and the colonists during the first Thanksgiving has been celebrated in American folklore and history.

Early Life and Leadership

Massasoit was born around 1581, though the exact date and place of his birth are not documented. As the sachem of the Wampanoag, he inherited a network of alliances and tributary relationships with other Native American groups, which he sought to maintain and expand throughout his leadership. His name, Massasoit, means "Great Leader" in the Wampanoag language.

First Contact with Pilgrims

In March 1621, shortly after the arrival of the Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower, Massasoit established contact with the settlers. Recognizing the potential for an alliance that could strengthen his position against rival tribes and the encroaching European settlers, Massasoit negotiated a peace treaty with the Pilgrims. This treaty, which promised mutual protection and support between the Wampanoag and the Plymouth settlers, was crucial for the survival of the early colony.

The First Thanksgiving

Massasoit is often credited with saving the Pilgrims from starvation during their first winter in the New World. In the autumn of 1621, after a successful harvest, the Pilgrims invited Massasoit and his people to celebrate what is now considered the first Thanksgiving. This event symbolized the cooperation and friendship between the Wampanoag and the Pilgrims, although the peace would be tested in the years to come.

Later Years and Legacy

Massasoit's later years were marked by increasing tensions between the Native American tribes and the growing number of English settlers. Despite these challenges, he continued to advocate for peace and diplomacy until his death in 1661. His sons, Wamsutta and Metacom (also known as King Philip), succeeded him as leaders of the Wampanoag, but they faced even greater challenges as English expansion continued.

Massasoit's legacy is complex. While he is remembered for his crucial role in the early survival of the Plymouth Colony and his efforts to foster peace, the subsequent history of Native American and European relations in New England was marked by conflict and displacement. His story is a reminder of the complicated and often tragic history of contact and colonization in the Americas.