Northeast Coast campaign (1675) facts for kids
The Northeast Coast campaign of 1675 was a series of attacks during the First Abenaki War. This war was also part of a bigger conflict called King Philip's War. During this time, the Wabanaki Confederacy launched raids on colonial American settlements. These settlements were located along the border between the New England Colonies and Acadia, in what is now Maine.
The Wabanaki warriors killed about eighty colonists. They also burned many farms. This stopped the American colonists from expanding further into the region. Many settlers left their communities. Only the settlements south of the Saco River remained. This meant the Americans kept only a small presence in the area. Historians note that the Wabanaki and their allies were very skilled. They managed to hold back 700 regular troops. They even defeated them in some battles.
Contents
Why the Campaign Happened
Saint-Castin's Role
Jean-Vincent d'Abbadie de Saint-Castin was a French leader. He was sent from Quebec at the start of the war. His orders were to unite all native groups in Acadia. He was to make them support the King of France. Saint-Castin settled among the Abenaki people.
King Philip's War Connection
Around the same time, King Philip (also known as Pometacom) and his warriors attacked New England in 1675. Historians believe Saint-Castin might have helped the Wabanaki with their war plans. People in Boston thought Castine was guiding the Wabanaki strategy. They also believed he was giving them better weapons.
What Happened During the Campaign
Early Raids in September
The first Wabanaki attack happened on September 5. It was in what is now Topsham. They threatened settlers and destroyed a farm. Soon after, warriors from the Adrosconggins, Sacos, and other Wabanaki groups attacked many settlements. These attacks took place along Casco Bay and further south.
On September 12, Wabanaki warriors attacked a farm in Falmouth. They destroyed the farm. They also killed six people and took one captive. On September 18, they raided Saco. They burned homes and mills there. They also attacked Major William Phillips' fort in what is now Biddeford. Six Abenaki warriors were killed during this attack, and 15 were wounded.
The warriors also raided present-day Durham, New Hampshire. They burned houses, killed two settlers, and captured others. Along the Saco River, they killed five more colonists. The colonists then abandoned Winter Harbor.
October Attacks
On October 1, the Wabanaki raided present-day Berwick. They took two children captive there. Two weeks later, on October 16, Berwick was attacked again. About 300 native warriors were involved. They killed two settlers and several militia men.
Two days later, they attacked Berwick once more. They killed three more colonists. They also destroyed seven homes in present-day Scarborough (formerly Black Point). Several people were killed there too. Finally, they attacked Wells. They killed three people and burned a house.
What Happened Next
This campaign was followed by more attacks. These happened in 1676 and 1677.
