Annawan (chief) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Annawan
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Depiction of Annawan's capture
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| Wampanoag Sachem | |
| Preceded by | Metacom |
| Personal details | |
| Died | August 1676 Plymouth |
| Cause of death | Execution |
Annawan (died 1676) was an important military leader and advisor for the Wampanoag people. He was known as a brave warrior. First, he served under the great leader Massasoit. Later, he became the main chief and led the Wampanoag in a big war against the colonists from Plymouth. This war is known as King Philip's War.
After the death of the Wampanoag leader Metacomet (also known as King Philip) in 1676, Annawan took over as the new leader. He gathered the remaining Wampanoag warriors and set up a strong camp at a place called Anawan Rock. Later that year, a colonial leader named Captain Benjamin Church found Annawan's camp. Annawan and his people were captured. Annawan gave Captain Church special items that belonged to King Philip, including his important wampum belts. Captain Church tried to save Annawan's life, but officials in Plymouth decided he should be punished for his actions during the war. Annawan was executed in Plymouth in August 1676.
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Annawan's Role as a Leader
Annawan was a key advisor and the main military captain for King Philip (Metacomet) during King Philip's War. This war was fought against the English colonists in New England. Before that, Annawan also served under King Philip's father, Massasoit. He helped Massasoit in battles against other New England Native American tribes. Even his enemies respected Annawan as a very brave and skilled warrior.
King Philip's War Ends
King Philip was killed on August 12, 1676, during an attack on his camp near Mount Hope. After this, only a few of his people were left, led by two main chiefs: Tispaquin and Annawan. Annawan was the most important of these chiefs because he had been King Philip's head captain. Even though he was an old man, Annawan gathered the remaining warriors. They continued to attack settlers in places like Swansea and Plymouth. To avoid being caught, they constantly moved their camps.
Annawan's Last Stand
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Later in 1676, a captured Native American led a small group of colonists, led by Captain Benjamin Church, to Annawan's hidden camp. This camp was on a hill in a swampy area near the Rehoboth River, now known as Anawan Rock. On August 28, they surprised and captured Annawan and his main advisors. The rest of the Native American warriors were tricked into giving up when Church told them his army had surrounded them.
Annawan believed his group was the last to fight against the English. He gave Captain Church a deerskin bundle. This bundle held King Philip's special wampum belts, which were symbols of his leadership. It also contained other important items. Annawan explained that these were King Philip's royal items, which he wore when he was acting as a leader.
Annawan's Death
The capture of Annawan was the final major event of King Philip's War. Captain Church asked for Annawan's life to be spared. However, Annawan admitted that he had been involved in the deaths of several English captives. Because of this, the officials in Plymouth decided to execute him.
See Also
