Pequot War facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pequot War |
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| Part of the American Indian Wars | |||||||
 A 19th-century engraving depicting an incident in the Pequot War |
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| Belligerents | |||||||
| Pequot tribe |
Indian Allies |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Sachem Sassacus | Captain John Underhill John Mason Sachem Uncas Sagamore Wequash Cooke Sachem Miantonomoh |
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The Pequot War was a big conflict that happened in New England between 1636 and 1638. It was fought between the Pequot tribe and English settlers from the Massachusetts Bay Colony, Plymouth Colony, and Saybrook Colony. Other Native American groups, like the Narragansett and Mohegan tribes, helped the English settlers.
Hundreds of people lost their lives during the war. Many others were captured, and some were sent far away to be sold into forced labor in the Caribbean. By the end of the war, about 700 Pequot people had been killed or captured. Those who survived were forced to leave their homes and move to other areas.
Contents
What Was the Pequot War?
The Pequot War was a major conflict in early American history. It showed the growing tensions between Native American tribes and the European colonists who were settling in their lands. The war lasted for about two years and changed the map of New England. It also had a lasting impact on the lives of the Native American people in the region.
Who Were the Pequots?
The Pequot people were a powerful Native American tribe living in what is now southeastern Connecticut. They controlled important trade routes and had many villages along the coast and rivers. Their name, "Pequot," means "destroyers" or "destroyers of men" in their language, showing their strength and influence. They were known for their skill in hunting, fishing, and farming.
Why Did the War Start?
There were several reasons why the Pequot War began.
- Land and Resources: English settlers were moving into Pequot lands, wanting more space for farms and towns. This led to disagreements over who owned the land and its resources.
- Trade Control: Both the Pequots and the English wanted to control the fur trade, which was very profitable. This competition caused friction.
- Incidents and Revenge: A series of violent events and misunderstandings made things worse. For example, in 1636, a trader named John Oldham was killed by some Native Americans. The English blamed the Pequots, even though it was unclear if they were truly responsible. This event led to English attacks on Pequot villages.
Key Events of the War
The war involved several important battles and attacks.
- Block Island Expedition: In August 1636, English soldiers attacked Block Island, which was home to a group of Native Americans. They destroyed villages and crops. Then, they went to a Pequot village on the mainland, demanding the people responsible for Oldham's death. This attack made the Pequots very angry.
- Pequot Attacks: In response, the Pequots attacked English settlements, especially Saybrook Colony. They surrounded the fort there, making it dangerous for settlers to leave. They also attacked people working in the fields.
The Mystic Fort Attack
One of the most famous and tragic events of the war was the attack on the Pequot fort near the Mystic River in May 1637.
- Surprise Attack: English soldiers, led by Captain John Mason, and their Native American allies (from the Narragansett and Mohegan tribes) launched a surprise attack on the fort.
- Devastation: The fort was filled with Pequot families, including women, children, and elders. The attackers set the fort on fire and shot anyone trying to escape.
- High Casualties: Hundreds of Pequot people were killed in less than an hour. This event was a huge blow to the Pequot tribe and shocked many people, even some of the English.
How Did the War End?
After the Mystic Fort attack, the remaining Pequots tried to escape. Many were hunted down by the English and their allies.
- Great Swamp Fight: In July 1637, another major battle happened in a swamp near what is now Fairfield, Connecticut. Many Pequots were captured or killed there.
- Treaty of Hartford: The war officially ended with the Treaty of Hartford in September 1638. This treaty declared that the Pequot tribe no longer existed. Surviving Pequots were divided among the allied tribes (Narragansett and Mohegan) or sold into forced labor. They were forbidden from using the name "Pequot" ever again.
What Happened After?
The Pequot War had a huge impact on the Native American tribes of New England.
- Loss of Land and Power: The Pequots lost their land, their power, and their independence.
- Changed Relationships: The war changed how English colonists and Native Americans interacted. It showed the English's willingness to use extreme force to gain control.
- Survival of the Pequots: Despite the treaty, the Pequot people did not disappear. Many kept their identity and traditions alive. Over time, they worked to regain recognition and rebuild their communities. Today, the Pequot tribe is a strong and active community in Connecticut.
Images for kids
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Engraving depicting Endecott's landing on Block Island
See also
In Spanish: Guerra pequot para niños
