Second Battle of Nipsachuck Battlefield facts for kids

The Second Battle of Nipsachuck Battlefield is an important historical place in North Smithfield, Rhode Island. It's mostly a swampy area. This site was where one of the last big battles of King Philip's War happened. The battle took place on July 2, 1676.

Historians find this battle interesting. It was one of the few times in the war that English colonists used a cavalry charge. A cavalry charge is when soldiers on horseback attack quickly. The battlefield was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2016. This means it's a special place worth protecting.

The Battlefield's Location

The battle happened in a swampy part of what is now North Smithfield. There was a hill to the west of the swamp. Also, a few small dry areas were found within the swamp itself. People at the time described the swamp as a "great spruce swamp."

History of the Battle

By the summer of 1676, the English colonists were winning King Philip's War. The Native American tribes were mostly retreating. Many Narragansett people had fled. They went to the Connecticut River valley. This happened after the Great Swamp Fight in December 1675. That fight was a big attack on their main village.

In the summer of 1676, about 100 Narragansetts came back. They were led by a female leader called sachem Quaiapen. They likely wanted to get hidden corn seeds for planting. A group of 400 soldiers attacked them. This group included 300 soldiers from the Connecticut Colony. About 100 Mohegan and Pequot warriors also joined them.

The attackers found the Narragansett position. It was at the western edge of the swamp. They planned their attack over and around the hill. Some of the Connecticut soldiers were mounted dragoons. Dragoons are soldiers who can fight on horseback or on foot. This battle is thought to be one of the few where dragoons actually fought on their horses.

The Narragansetts were pushed into the swamp. Many of them were killed there. This included Quaiapen and Stonewall John. Stonewall John was famous for building Queen's Fort. Quaiapen's death meant the end of organized Narragansett resistance.

Discoveries at the Site

The battlefield area has not been built on much. This is because the land is mostly swampy. There has been some farming and homes built around the edges.

Archaeologists have explored the site. They found items used by the Narragansett people. These include everyday objects. They also found military items like lead shot and musket balls. These discoveries help us learn more about the battle.