Wompatuck facts for kids

Wompatuck (born around 1627 – died 1669), also known as Wampatuck, was an important leader called a sachem. A sachem was like a main chief for the Mattakeesett group of Massachusett Native Americans.

What His Name Means

Wompatuck had a few names, including Wampatuck, Josias Wampatuck, and Josiah Sagamore. The name Wampatuck means "snow goose" in the Wampanoag language.

His Family and Early Life

Wompatuck's father was also a sachem named Chikataubut. Sadly, Chikataubut passed away in 1633 from smallpox. After his father's death, Wompatuck's uncle, Cutshamekin, became the new sachem. Cutshamekin also helped to raise Wompatuck.

Leading His People

Around 1655, after his uncle Cutshamekin died, Wompatuck became the sachem. Like his father and uncle, he worked with the British colonists who were settling in the area. He sold them land where the city of Boston, Massachusetts, was started in 1629. He also sold land for other towns nearby.

A Big Battle

In 1665, Wompatuck's tribe was attacked by the Haudenosaunee, also known as the Iroquois. To get revenge, Wompatuck gathered a large group of warriors. About 600 or 700 fighters from several Massachusett tribes joined him. They went to attack Gandaouaguè, which was the main town of the Mohawks.

On their way back to Massachusetts in 1669, Wompatuck's group was ambushed. He was killed while leading his warriors in a fight against the Mohawks. After Wompatuck's death, his son, Charles Josias Wampatuck, became the new sachem.

Places Named After Him

Two ships in the United States Navy were named after Wompatuck:

• The armed tug USS Wompatuck (YT-27), which was used from 1898 to 1931.
• The harbor tug USS Wampatuck (YT-337) (later called YTB-337), which was used from 1942 to 1946.

Also, Wompatuck State Park in Hingham, Massachusetts, is named in his honor.