Canonchet facts for kids

Canonchet (also known as Cononchet or Quanonchet) was a brave and important leader of the Narragansett people. He was a Sachem, which means a chief or a powerful leader among his people. Canonchet played a big role in major conflicts like the Great Swamp Fight and King Philip's War. He was the son of another famous Narragansett leader named Miantonomo. Canonchet died on April 3, 1676.

Standing Up for His People

Canonchet was a leader for Native communities who wanted to live independently. They did not want to join forces with the English settlers. They also did not accept the English settlers' rules or authority.

Resisting English Control

Canonchet became known for standing up against the English leaders. The English saw him as a main reason for trouble between them and the Narragansetts. They called him "a most perfidious villain" and said he was proud like his father.

Once, when he was retreating from English troops, Canonchet took off his European-style clothes. He threw them down as a way to show he rejected the settlers' ways. He also believed that traditional Native foods, especially corn, were very important. He risked being captured to get corn from areas where there was fighting.

A Promise of Freedom

After the Narragansett people were forced from their lands, Canonchet made a strong statement. He said, "We will die, to the last man, but we will not be slaves to the English." He even suggested using the area of Northampton, Massachusetts as a safe place for children and older people.

Capture and Death

Because of his strong beliefs and actions, Canonchet became a target for the English leaders. They decided to have Native American warriors from other tribes capture and kill him. These tribes included the Pequot, Mohegan, and Niantic nations. The English believed that if these tribes killed Canonchet, they would become enemies of other Native groups. This would make them more loyal to the English.

The Capture

Canonchet was surprised and captured in Narragansett territory on April 2, 1676. The English offered him a chance to make peace with them and save his life. However, he refused their offer.

His Final Words

When he was told he would be put to death, Canonchet bravely said, "I like it well. I shall die before my heart is soft, and before I have spoken a word unworthy of myself." He asked to be executed by the Mohegan leader Uncas. He saw Uncas as a "fellow Prince" because both were sons of tribal chiefs.

Canonchet was executed by the Mohegan leader Oneco, the Pequot warrior Robin Cassacinamon, and the Niantic leader Harman Garrett (or his son). He was killed in Stonington, Connecticut on April 3. After his death, Canonchet's head was sent to the English leaders in Hartford, Connecticut. They celebrated his death, seeing it as a victory.