Northeast Coast campaign (1676) facts for kids

The Northeast Coast campaign of 1676 was a series of battles during King Philip's War. It happened in what is now Maine. Native American groups from the Wabanaki Confederacy attacked colonial American towns. These towns were along the border between the New England Colonies and Acadia. In just one month, they destroyed many settlements along 45 miles (72 km) of coast east of Casco. They captured or killed many colonists and burned farms. This stopped the American colonists from expanding further into the area. After the campaign, many colonists left the region and moved to Salem, Massachusetts. Key events in this campaign included Richard Waldron joining the war, the death of Chief Mogg, and the start of the Mi'kmaq people's involvement.

Why the War Happened

Jean-Vincent d'Abbadie de Saint-Castin was a French leader. The Governor of Quebec asked him to unite all native groups in Acadia. His goal was to have them support the King of France. Historians believe Saint-Castin likely helped plan military actions during this war. People in Boston thought he was guiding the Wabanaki strategy. They also believed he was giving them better weapons. This campaign in 1676 followed an earlier one in 1675.

Key Events of the Campaign

Attacks on Coastal Settlements

On August 11, a leader named Simon led an attack on Falmouth. During this attack, 34 settlers were either killed or captured. Two days later, on August 13, 1676, the Wabanaki attacked Richard Hammond's strong house. This house was in what is now Woolwich. Fourteen people were killed there, but two managed to escape.

The next day, August 14, native groups raided a well-protected trading post. This post belonged to Thomas Clarke and Thomas Lake. It was near Woolwich on Arrosic Island. Thomas Lake and others were killed, but Sylvanus Davis escaped. Major Waldron later found Lake's body and sent it to Boston for burial.

Several weeks later, on September 2, the Wabanaki took control of a fort. This fort was on Jewells Island in Casco Bay.

Rescue at Sheepscot River

In August 1676, native groups also attacked a settlement. This was at the Sheepscot River near Merrymeeting Bay in Maine. William Phips was a ship captain. He rescued local settlers by letting them board his ship. He had to leave behind his cargo of lumber to do this. The native groups destroyed the shipyard and his lumber. Even though he lost money, he was seen as a hero in Boston.

Waldron's Meeting and Captures

On September 7, 1676, Richard Waldron met with about 200 Wabanaki people. They thought they were meeting to make peace. Instead, Waldron tricked them into a training exercise with the English. They were disarmed without anyone being hurt. Some were accused of harming Englishmen. Others were captured and sent to work far away.

Raids on Wells and York

On September 24, the native groups raided Wells. They killed two people there. The very next day, they attacked Wells again and killed one more person. On that same day, September 25, they raided York, Maine. About 40 people were killed in York.

Siege at Scarborough

On October 12, 1676, at what is now Scarborough (formerly Black Point), Chief Mugg Hegone led the Wabanaki. They surrounded the fort there. The colonists quickly left the fort.

Capturing Mi'kmaq Families

Waldron gave an order to capture all native people "of the East." These were the groups who had been raiding villages along the border with Acadia. On November 9, 1676, American soldiers stopped at Machias. They took nine native people captive. Then, they sailed to Cape Sable Island in Nova Scotia. There, 17 members of Mi'kmaq families were captured. This included the local chief and his wife. They were taken to a faraway land to work.

During the campaign, native groups also destroyed Fort Pemaquid.

What Happened Next

This campaign was followed by another one in 1677.