Redemption Rock facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Redemption Rock |
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Redemption Rock.
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| Established | 1953 |
| Operator | The Trustees of Reservations |
| Website | Redemption Rock |
Redemption Rock is a special historical place in Princeton, Massachusetts. It's known for an important event that happened way back in 1676. This was during a big conflict called King Philip's War.
Atop a large granite rock, an agreement was made to free Mary Rowlandson. She was the wife of a Puritan minister. She had been captured by Native American groups.
The small piece of land where the rock stands is about a quarter of an acre. A group called The Trustees of Reservations bought this land in 1953. They work to protect natural and historical places. Today, Redemption Rock is open for everyone to visit.
Mary Rowlandson later wrote a book about her experiences. It was called A Narrative of the Captivity and Restoration of Mrs. Mary Rowlandson. This book is a very important part of early American literature. It's considered a key example of a "captivity narrative."
You can find Redemption Rock off Massachusetts Route 140. It's also close to Wachusett Mountain.
Contents
The Story of Mary Rowlandson
Mary Rowlandson was a woman who lived in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. In 1676, during King Philip's War, her home was attacked. She and her children were taken captive by Native American warriors.
She spent several weeks with her captors, traveling through the wilderness. During this difficult time, she kept a journal. This journal later became her famous book. It described her struggles and her faith.
Her release was negotiated at Redemption Rock. This event was a significant moment in her life. It also became a famous story in colonial America.
What the Inscriptions Say
There are special messages carved into Redemption Rock. These inscriptions tell us about the historical event. They help visitors understand what happened there.
The Rock's Inscription
The words carved right on Redemption Rock explain the agreement. They say: Upon this rock May 2, 1676 was made the agreement for the ransom of Mrs Mary Rowlandson of Lancaster between the Indians and John Hoar of Concord. King Philip was with the Indians but refused his consent.
This means that on May 2, 1676, a deal was made. It was to pay for Mary Rowlandson's freedom. The agreement was between the Native Americans and a man named John Hoar. King Philip, a Native American leader, was there but did not agree to the ransom.
The Official State Marker
There is also a special sign at the site. The state of Massachusetts put this marker there in 1930. It gives more information about the rock's history.
The state marker reads: Upon the rock fifty feet West of this spot Mary Rowlandson wife of the first minister of Lancaster was redeemed from captivity under King Philip. The narrative of her experience is one of the classics of colonial literature.
This sign tells us that Mary Rowlandson was freed near this spot. It also reminds us that her book is a classic story from that time.
