Chickatawbut facts for kids
Chickatawbut (died in 1633) was an important leader, also called a sachem, of the Massachusett people. This Native American tribe lived in what is now eastern Massachusetts, United States. Chickatawbut was a key figure when English settlers first arrived in the early 1600s.
He was also known as Cicatabut. Some records suggest his name might have been Oktabiest before 1622. In 1630, Chickatawbut signed over land that is now the city of Boston to the Puritans. His main home was in Conihasset, which is close to modern-day Scituate. Chickatawbut's brother was named Wassapinewat.
Meetings and Challenges
Chickatawbut had a special base at a small hill called Moswetuset Hummock. This spot is located on Quincy Bay in Boston Harbor. In 1621, he met Myles Standish there. Standish was a commander from Plymouth Colony. He was with Squanto, a guide from the Patuxet people.
According to a colonist named Thomas Morton, the Plymouth settlers upset Chickatawbut. They had visited Passonagessit, where Chickatawbut's mother was buried. They took some bear skins from her grave. This made Chickatawbut angry.
Later, in 1623 or 1624, there was a conflict at the Wessagusset Colony. Chickatawbut was not captured by Standish's group. However, one of his warriors, Pecksuot, died during these events.
Later Life and Successors
Chickatawbut died in 1633 from smallpox. This was a serious disease that affected many Native American communities. His brother, Cutshamekin, became the new sachem after him.
Around 1655, Chickatawbut's son, Wompatuck, took over as leader. Wompatuck became a friend to the English settlers. He led the Mattakeesett tribe.
In 1650, five Massachusett Indians shared information about the land Chickatawbut had ruled. They stated that his territory stretched from Nishamagoquanett, near Duxbury, to Teghtacutt, near Taunton. It also went to Nunckatatesett and then in a straight line to Wanamampuke, which is the start of the Charles River. They confirmed this information was true.
Legacy and Honors
Chickatawbut's name is still remembered today.
- Chickatawbut Road is part of the Blue Hills Reservation Parkways.
- Chickatawbut Hill is the highest point in Quincy, Massachusetts. It stands at 517 feet (158 meters) tall. Both of these places are named in honor of this important sachem.
