Battle of Turner's Falls facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Turner's Falls
Part of King Philip's War
Marker commemorating the battle
Date May 19, 1676 Location present-day Gill, Massachusetts Result Colonial victory
Belligerents
Algonquian tribes, principally Nipmuc	Massachusetts Bay Colony
Commanders and leaders
	William Turner  †
Strength
60-70 warriors	150
Casualties and losses
415 women, children, and elderly	39 killed or captured

The Battle of Turner's Falls, also called the Battle of Great Falls, happened on May 19, 1676. It was a major event during King Philip's War. This battle took place near a waterfall on the Connecticut River in what is now Gill, Massachusetts. The area is across the river from the town of Turners Falls.

This battle was a very important moment in King Philip's War. It helped change the direction of the war, leading to its end. A group of about 150 untrained colonial soldiers attacked a Native American camp. They surprised the camp early in the morning. Many people in the camp were killed.

After the attack, Native American warriors fought back. The colonial soldiers had to retreat. During their retreat, 38 colonial soldiers were killed. This included their leader, William Turner. The town of Turners Falls was later named after him.

What Led to the Battle?

A Special Fishing Place

The area known as Wissantinnewag-Peskeompskut was a traditional fishing spot. Native American tribes had used it for thousands of years. People came here twice a year to fish, plant crops, and gather food. The land was cleared for planting and for building wetus, which were domed huts.

In the spring of 1676, this area was busier than usual. King Philip's War had forced many Native Americans from their homes. It was hard for them to find food in other places. By mid-May 1676, many warriors and families gathered here. They included people from the Nipmuc, Narragansett, Wampanoag, and Pocumtuc tribes.

Different Camps

Because of the ongoing war, three camps were set up. One camp was further down the river. Most of the warriors stayed in that camp. The main camp held women, children, and older people. These people focused on farming and fishing. Another camp was located across the river.

Growing Tensions

By May 1676, peace talks were starting between the Colony of Connecticut and the Narragansett tribe. Some prisoners were even released to show good faith. These prisoners included people captured during an earlier raid on Hatfield. The Connecticut War Council told settlers in nearby towns not to attack. They also called back many soldiers.

This left Captain William Turner with fewer men. He had "a company of single men, boys and servants." The settlers were worried about the large Native American camp growing near the falls. On May 13, 1676, some warriors from Peskeompskut raided nearby farms. They took 70 cattle and horses.

Settlers Decide to Act

Two days later, some released prisoners shared details about the camp. They described the fenced area for cattle and other important information. The settlers decided to attack without waiting for approval. Captain William Turner and his Lieutenant Samuel Holyoke gathered volunteers. These volunteers came from the nearby river towns. They prepared to attack the large camp.

The Attack Begins

Planning the Surprise

On May 18, 1676, the Native Americans at Peskeompskut had a special feast. They ate beef and milk taken from the Hatfield raid, along with salmon. After dinner, the warriors went back to their separate camp. This left the main camp unguarded.

To the south, Captain Turner and his men gathered in Hatfield. They were mostly untrained citizen soldiers. They planned to attack a group of 60-70 experienced warriors. Their plan relied on having more men (over 160) and surprising the camp.

The Journey to the Camp

They left on horseback after dark. A thunderstorm helped hide them from any Native American guards. They crossed the Connecticut River at a different spot to avoid sentries. They also crossed the Green River carefully.

Captain Turner and his men reached a high point overlooking Peskeompskut before dawn on May 19, 1676. They left their horses and walked down to the camp. They planned a signal to start firing. Then, they moved very close to the huts.

The Battle Unfolds

The Morning Attack

At dawn, the signal was given. Captain Turner's men began shooting into the huts. They even shot through the exits to prevent anyone from escaping. Many people were killed in this first attack.

Those who were not killed immediately ran towards the Connecticut River. They tried to cross by canoe or by swimming. Some were heard shouting "Mohawk! Mohawk!" as they fled. The canoes quickly became too full.

Captain Turner's men lined up along the riverbank. They fired at both the swimmers and those in canoes. Some people were swept over the falls. Others tried to hide under rocks but were found and killed. One account says Captain Holyoke killed several people hiding under a bank. Another report said bullets came "as thick as rain." Over 100 people died on the shore. Around 130 more died in the river. Only one of Captain Turner's men was killed by accident by his own side.

Destroying the Camp

Even though he knew warriors might be nearby, Captain Turner ordered the camp to be destroyed. His men burned all the huts and everything inside them. They also destroyed stores of dried fish. They found two blacksmith forges and tools for fixing weapons. They took the tools and threw them into the river.

They took anything valuable they could carry. They also freed an English captive. This captive told them that King Philip and 1000 warriors were close by. Around this time, the warriors from the other camps began to fight back. Captain Turner immediately ordered a retreat.

The Retreat and Ambush

Once on their horses, Captain Turner and his men retreated the way they came. But now, they had no darkness or thunderstorm to hide them. Surviving Peskeompskut warriors chased them from behind. Other warriors from camps to the south set up an ambush. This ambush was near White Ash Swamp.

When the colonial force rode near the swamp, they were attacked from all sides. The soldiers, who were mostly citizens, became disorganized. The group split into smaller parts. Most followed Captain Turner towards another ambush at Green River Ford.

The narrow valley leading to Green River Ford was a perfect spot for an ambush. Warriors attacked the company there. Captain Turner was shot through his leg and back as he crossed the river. Samuel Holyoke took command. He led the remaining men back to Hatfield without losing anyone else. A few other soldiers, like Reverend Hope Atherton, got separated and had to find their way alone. Some made it back, but others never returned.

What Happened After?

Captain Turner's body was found in the river several days later. Out of the 160 men who attacked Peskeompskut, 38 were killed during the retreat. Six more were missing but later found. Many others were wounded, and their injuries shortened their lives.

On May 30, 1676, 250 surviving warriors from Peskeompskut attacked Hatfield. They were pushed back, but 5 settlers were killed. Also, 20 houses and barns were burned. Many cattle were killed, and sheep were taken. Some houses and shops were looted. In June, English scouts found places where Captain Turner's captured men had been killed.

The waterfalls where this battle happened were later named "Turner's Falls." In 1736, land near the battle site was given to the families of the soldiers who fought there. This land is now the town of Bernardston. The village of Riverside in Gill is thought to be where the main attack took place. A picnic grove there is said to mark the exact spot of Captain Turner's first attack. The battle site is now part of the Riverside Archeological District. This is a historic area listed on the National Register of Historic Places.