Magunkaquog facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Magunkaquog
Magunko, Magunksquog, Magunkook, Magwonkkommuk
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| Founded | 1660 |
Magunkaquog (transl. "place of great trees") was a special village in early America. It was one of the "praying towns" created for Native Americans. These towns were started by a missionary named John Eliot. Magunkaquog was founded in 1660. It was located near the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
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What Was Magunkaquog?
Magunkaquog was a village where some Native American people lived. They chose to learn about Christianity and live in a way that was new to them. This village was set up in 1660. It was one of several such towns in the area. These towns were important places during the early days of the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
What Were Praying Towns?
Praying towns were special communities in the 1600s. They were created by English missionaries. These missionaries wanted Native Americans to become Christians. They also wanted them to adopt English customs. In these towns, Native Americans learned English ways of life. They also learned to read and write. They were encouraged to farm like the English settlers.
Why Were Praying Towns Created?
Missionaries like John Eliot believed they were helping Native Americans. They thought that by teaching them Christianity and English customs, they were improving their lives. These towns were a way to bring different cultures together. They also helped to keep peace between the Native Americans and the English settlers.
Who Was John Eliot?
John Eliot was an English Puritan missionary. He arrived in the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1631. He is often called the "Apostle to the Indians." Eliot learned the Massachusett language. He even translated the Bible into this language. This was the first Bible printed in North America. Eliot worked hard to establish the praying towns. He wanted to share his beliefs with Native American communities.
Eliot's Work with Native Americans
Eliot spent many years working with Native American people. He traveled to their villages and preached to them. He helped set up schools in the praying towns. He also helped to create a written form of the Massachusett language. His efforts led to the creation of 14 praying towns. Magunkaquog was one of these important settlements.
