Monoco facts for kids
Monoco was a powerful Native American leader, also known as a sachem (say-chem), from the Nashaway people in the 1600s. English settlers sometimes called him "One-eyed John." He lived during a time when relations between Native Americans and European settlers in New England were becoming very difficult.
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Who Was Monoco?
Monoco was an important chief of the Nashaway tribe. His people lived in what is now Massachusetts. He was known for his leadership during a period of great change. This was when English settlers, often called Puritans, were expanding their towns.
Tensions and Conflict
For many years, Native Americans and English settlers lived side-by-side. However, tensions grew over land and resources. This led to several conflicts.
The Lancaster Raid
In August 1675, the Nashaway people attacked the nearby English settlement of Lancaster, Massachusetts. This event is known as the Lancaster raid. It was one of the first major attacks in a larger conflict.
King Philip's War
The conflict grew into a major war called King Philip's War. This war lasted from 1675 to 1678. It involved many Native American tribes and English colonies. Monoco and his people were part of this widespread struggle.
In February 1678, Monoco's group attacked Lancaster again. During this attack, a villager named Mary Rowlandson was taken. She and her children were with Monoco's party for many weeks.
The Story of Mary Rowlandson
Mary Rowlandson later wrote a book about her experience. It was called A Narrative of the Captivity and Restoration of Mrs. Mary Rowlandson. Her book became very popular. It told the story of her time with the Native Americans and her eventual return.
Monoco's Capture and Legacy
In 1676, Monoco was captured in Dover, New Hampshire. He was later executed in Boston, Massachusetts. This happened on the Boston Common. His capture was part of negotiations involving Richard Waldron and Tantamous' son, Peter Jethro.
Monoco's story is an important part of 17th-century New England history. It helps us understand the complex relationships between Native Americans and early European settlers.
