Northeast Coast campaign (1724) facts for kids

The Northeast Coast campaign (1724) was a series of attacks that happened during Dummer's War, also known as Father Rale's War. These events took place from March to September in 1724. During this time, the Wabanaki Confederacy attacked the coast of what is now Maine. This area was below the Kennebec River, which was the border between Acadia (where the Wabanaki lived) and New England (where the English settlers lived).

The Wabanaki attacked English settlements along the coast of Maine, from Berwick to Mount Desert Island. The main settlement they focused on was Casco, also known as Falmouth or Portland. Because of successful attacks in 1723, Governor William Dummer ordered people to leave the frontier areas and move to safer blockhouses in the spring of 1724.

Attacks on Land

In March and April of 1724, the Wabanaki attacked English settlers on land. About 30 British settlers lost their lives during these attacks.

Ambush of Captain Winslow

One of the most important events was an ambush involving Captain Josiah Winslow. He was stationed at Fort St. George. Captain Winslow and 16 of his soldiers were traveling down a river in two whale boats. They were suddenly attacked by the Tarrantines, who were part of the Mi'kmaq people. Sadly, all but three of the soldiers were killed, including Captain Josiah Winslow.

Attack on Fort Menaskoux

After this ambush, the native warriors attacked Captain Samuel Penhallow at Fort Menaskoux in Arrowsick. They killed many cattle and took three people as prisoners.

Attacks at Sea

The campaign also included attacks against British fishing boats at sea. The Mi'kmaq people from Cape Sable Island, Nova Scotia, were very involved in these naval battles. They attacked fishing vessels, resulting in 22 people losing their lives and 23 people being taken as prisoners.

British Response

In response to these attacks, the British forces focused on Father Rale.

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