Nauset facts for kids
Territories of Nauset and neighboring tribes
|
|
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| Extinct as a tribe | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
 United States ( Massachusetts) |
|
| Languages | |
| an Eastern Algonquian language | |
| Religion | |
| Indigenous religion | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Other Algonquian peoples |
The Nauset people were a group of Native Americans. They lived on Cape Cod in Massachusetts. Sometimes, they were called the Cape Cod Indians. Their land was east of the Bass River. They lived next to their relatives, the Wampanoag people.
The Nauset tribe was unique. However, they often followed the Wampanoag rules. They shared many things with the Wampanoag. This included their way of life and farming methods. They also spoke a similar language, called Massachusett language. The Nauset lived near the Atlantic Ocean. Because of this, they ate a lot of seafood.
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Early Encounters with Europeans
The Nauset tribe was one of the first to meet European explorers. These explorers visited their lands. Sadly, some Nauset people were taken away. They were forced to go to Spain. There, they were sold into slavery. New sicknesses also arrived with the Europeans. These diseases made many Nauset people ill. Their population became much smaller. This happened even before many Europeans settled in New England.
The Pilgrims' Arrival
The Pilgrims first met the Nauset during their journey. This happened when the Mayflower ship landed. It was near what is now Provincetown. The Pilgrims found a village that was empty. The Nauset people were away. They were at their winter hunting grounds.
The Pilgrims needed supplies badly. So, they took some corn from a hidden storage place. They left a note in English. It promised to pay for the corn they took. Months later, the Nauset returned. Their leader, Aspinet, was with them. The Pilgrims kept their promise and paid for the corn.
The Nauset also helped the colonists. A small boy from the colony got lost. He wandered away from his home. The Nauset found him and brought him back. This kind act made relations much better. It helped the Nauset and the colonists become friends.
Allies and Changes
In the years that followed, the Nauset became close allies. They worked with the colonists. Most Nauset people became Christians. They helped the colonists as scouts. They also fought as warriors. This was during King Philip's War. They fought against the Wampanoag.
The Nauset tribe was always small in number. Their population became even smaller after the war. Many Nauset people married into other tribes. They also married some of the settlers.
Nauset Legacy Today
The Nauset people's name lives on. Several places in Massachusetts are named after them. These names help us remember their history.
- Nauset Regional High School is in North Eastham. It is inside the Cape Cod National Seashore. This school serves students from several towns. These towns include Brewster and Orleans. It also serves Eastham, Wellfleet, and Truro.
- Nauset Regional Middle School is located in Orleans. It serves students from the same towns as the high school.
- Nauset Light Beach is in North Eastham.
- Nauset Beach is located in Orleans.
