Maanexit facts for kids

Maanexit (also spelled Manexit or Mayanexit) was an important Native American village in what is now Connecticut. It was home to the Nipmuc people, a Native American tribe. The village was located along the Quinebaug River (also known as the Maanexit River) and a historic travel route called the Old Connecticut Path. Today, you would find this area near towns like Fabyan, Thompson, Connecticut, and Woodstock, Connecticut.

Maanexit: An Ancient Native American Village

The name Maanexit means "where the road lies" or "where we gather." Some historians believe it might have referred to a settlement of Native Americans who had converted to Christianity. This village became a special kind of community called a "praying town." These towns were created through the efforts of missionaries like John Eliot and Daniel Gookin.

What Was a Praying Town?

A praying town was a settlement where Native Americans lived and practiced Christianity. Missionaries like John Eliot worked to teach them about the Christian faith. Maanexit was one of these towns. It was about six miles north of another praying town called Quinnatisset.

Life in Maanexit Before the War

Before a major conflict known as King Philip's War, Maanexit had about one hundred residents. In September 1674, Reverend John Eliot visited the village. He preached to the people, using a passage from the Bible (Psalms 24:7-10). During his visit, he appointed a Native American man named John Moqua to be the teaching pastor for the Praying Indians in Maanexit. This meant John Moqua would lead religious services and teach the community.

The Impact of King Philip's War

King Philip's War was a very difficult and important conflict between Native Americans and English colonists in New England. After this war, a Native American leader known as Black James transferred some of the land that made up Maanexit village to white settlers. This was a common outcome of the war, as Native American lands were often taken over by the colonists.