Muttawmp facts for kids
Muttawmp was a leader, known as a sachem, of the Nipmuc people in the mid-1600s. His home area was called Quaboag. He played a big part in King Philip's War, a major conflict between Native American tribes and English colonists. Muttawmp was one of the most important chiefs who fought alongside Metacomet, also known as King Philip.
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Muttawmp's Role in King Philip's War
Muttawmp had once become a Christian, joining a group called Praying Indians. However, when Metacomet began gathering tribes to fight the colonists, Muttawmp decided to join him. He gave up Christianity and allied with Metacomet, along with another Nipmuc sachem named Matoonas.
Attack on Brookfield
Muttawmp led a successful attack on Brookfield. This event is sometimes called Wheeler's Surprise. During this attack, Edward Hutchinson was badly wounded and later died. He was the son of the famous Anne Hutchinson.
Battle of Bloody Brook
Muttawmp was also a key Nipmuc leader in the Battle of Bloody Brook. This battle happened on September 12, 1675, near South Deerfield, Massachusetts. In this fight, 51 colonial soldiers and 17 teamsters (people who drove wagons) were killed. Captain Thomas Lathrop was among those who died. The stream near the battlefield turned red with blood, which is why its name was changed from "Moody Brook" to "Bloody Brook."
Actions in Hatfield and Sudbury
In October 1675, Muttawmp and about 800 warriors surrounded Hatfield, Massachusetts. They tried to trick the colonists into leaving the town by setting fires outside. However, the colonists inside did not fall for the trap. They only sent out a small group of ten men to check. Nine of these men were either killed or captured by the Nipmuc warriors. Later, on April 21, 1676, Muttawmp and 500 warriors attacked civilians in Sudbury, Massachusetts.
End of the War
Muttawmp eventually tried to make peace with the colonists. He reached out through a man named Richard Waldron. However, Muttawmp was executed in September 1676. Other leaders, like Old Jethro, were also executed around the same time.
