Metacomet facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Metacomet
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Portrait by Paul Revere, 1772
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| Wampanoag Sachem | |
| Preceded by | Wamsutta |
| Succeeded by | Annawan |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1638 |
| Died | August 12, 1676 (aged 37–38) Bristol, Rhode Island |
| Cause of death | Gunshot wound |
Metacomet, also known as Pometacom, Metacom, and by his adopted English name King Philip, was an important leader (called a Sachem) of the Wampanoag people. He was born around 1638 in Massachusetts and became their chief in 1662. His father was the famous leader Massasoit. Metacomet wanted his people to live peacefully with the English colonists at first, and he helped manage trade between them.
However, as more colonists arrived, tensions grew over land and resources. This led to a major conflict called King Philip's War (1675–1678). Metacomet fought to protect his people's way of life and their lands. He was killed on August 12, 1676, near Mount Hope, Rhode Island, which marked the end of the war.
Contents
Metacomet's Family and Early Life
Metacomet's older brother, Wamsutta (also known as King Alexander), became the Wampanoag leader after their father, Massasoit, passed away in 1661. Sadly, Wamsutta also died soon after. This meant Metacomet became the new leader, or Sachem, in 1662.
Metacomet married Wootonekanuske, who was the younger sister of Weetamoo. Weetamoo was another important leader of the Pocasset people and became a close friend and ally to Metacomet.
After the war, Metacomet's wife and his only son were captured. His son was sent far away. Some families in Middleboro, Massachusetts even today believe they are related to this famous Wampanoag leader.
Why Metacomet Was Called King Philip
In 1660, Metacomet's brother, Wamsutta, asked the English court in Plymouth to give them English names. This was a Wampanoag tradition to mark important life changes. Wamsutta became Alexander, and Metacomet became Philip.
The English colonists later started calling him "King Philip." However, the Wampanoag people did not use the word "king." The closest word in their language was "Sachem," which means a respected leader or chief.
King Philip's War: A Fight for Land
Metacomet, or King Philip, worked to unite different Native American tribes. They wanted to protect their lands and way of life from the growing number of European colonists. There were many disagreements over land use and hunting areas.
In 1671, leaders from the Plymouth Colony made Metacomet agree to strict rules. He had to give up many weapons and follow English laws. But the colonists kept expanding, and tensions grew until a war began in 1675. This war is known as King Philip's War.
The End of the War
As the war continued, King Philip and his followers sought safety in a large swamp in southern Massachusetts. They tried to stay hidden with their families.
On August 12, 1676, King Philip was found by a group of colonial rangers. He was killed by a Native American named John Alderman near Mount Hope. After his death, his wife and young son were captured and sent away. Many other Native Americans who survived the war moved to join other tribes or new settlements.
How Metacomet is Remembered
Metacomet's story has been told in many ways over the years.
- Mary Rowlandson, who was captured during the war, wrote about meeting Metacomet in her famous book, A Narrative of the Captivity and Restoration of Mrs. Mary Rowlandson.
- Washington Irving wrote a story called "Philip of Pokanoket" in 1820, which showed Metacomet in a thoughtful way.
- A popular play called Metamora; or, The Last of the Wampanoags was written in 1829. It showed Metacomet as a heroic figure.
- Metacomet has also appeared in films, like The Scarlet Letter (1995), and in many historical novels. These stories help us remember his important role in history.
Places Named After Metacomet
Many places and things are named after Metacomet, honoring his memory:
- The Metacomet Mill in Fall River, Massachusetts, built in 1847, is an old textile mill.
- King Philip Stockade, a large park in Springfield, Massachusetts, is named after him.
- The USS Metacomet was a United States Navy ship from 1863.
- The Metacomet Ridge is a long mountain range in southern New England.
- There are also hiking trails, like the 51-mile (82 km) Metacomet Trail in Connecticut and the 110-mile (180 km) Metacomet-Monadnock Trail in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
- Metacomet Country Club is a golf course in East Providence, Rhode Island.
- Several towns have streets named King Philip Avenue, Road, or Street.
- King Philip Regional High School in Wrentham, Massachusetts, is also named in his honor.
- Some towns, like Metamora, Ohio and Metamora, Illinois, are named after the heroic character in the play about Metacomet.
- Even an insect, a large crane fly called Tipula metacomet, is named after him!
See also
In Spanish: Metacomet para niños
- William Apess, claimed descent from Metacomet
- List of early settlers of Rhode Island
- Eulogy on King Phillip by William Apess, 1836
