The Pequot War
(1636-1638)
From 1636 to 1638, New England bore witness to the tumultuous Pequot War. This intense showdown pitted the Pequot tribe against a coalition of English settlers hailing from the Massachusetts Bay, Plymouth, and Saybrook colonies. These settlers weren’t alone; they had the backing of their Narragansett and Mohegan allies. The outcome? A crushing blow to the Pequots. By the war’s end, around 700 Pequots either met their demise or found themselves in chains. A significant number faced a grim fate, sold into slavery in far-off places like Bermuda or the West Indies. Those who escaped this fate were scattered among the tribes that had bested them. This pivotal conflict reshaped the dynamics of early New England, leaving an indelible mark on its history.
Background
Background
From 1636 to 1638, New England bore witness to the tumultuous Pequot War. This intense showdown pitted the Pequot tribe against a coalition of English settlers hailing from the Massachusetts Bay, Plymouth, and Saybrook colonies. These settlers weren’t alone; they had the backing of their Narragansett and Mohegan allies. The outcome? A crushing blow to the Pequots. By the war’s end, around 700 Pequots either met their demise or found themselves in chains. A significant number faced a grim fate, sold into slavery in far-off places like Bermuda or the West Indies. Those who escaped this fate were scattered among the tribes that had bested them. This pivotal conflict reshaped the dynamics of early New England, leaving an indelible mark on its history.
The War
From 1636 to 1638, New England bore witness to the tumultuous Pequot War. This intense showdown pitted the Pequot tribe against a coalition of English settlers hailing from the Massachusetts Bay, Plymouth, and Saybrook colonies. These settlers weren’t alone; they had the backing of their Narragansett and Mohegan allies. The outcome? A crushing blow to the Pequots. By the war’s end, around 700 Pequots either met their demise or found themselves in chains. A significant number faced a grim fate, sold into slavery in far-off places like Bermuda or the West Indies. Those who escaped this fate were scattered among the tribes that had bested them. This pivotal conflict reshaped the dynamics of early New England, leaving an indelible mark on its history.
Key Battles and Events
- The Battle of Mistick Fort.
- The Fairfield Swamp Fight.
Strategies and Tactics
- English alliances with other Native American tribes.
- Pequot defensive and offensive measures.
Turning Points
- Decisive moments that shifted the balance of the war
Further Reading and Resources on the Pequot War
These resources provide a starting point for those eager to delve deeper into the complexities and nuances of the Pequot War and its place in the tapestry of early American history.
Books and Articles
“The Name of War: King Philip’s War and the Origins of American Identity” by Jill Lepore
- An exploration of King Philip’s War, with insights that shed light on the broader context of English-Native American relations, including the Pequot War.
“The Pequot War” by Alfred A. Cave
- A comprehensive account of the war, its causes, and its aftermath, drawing from primary sources and modern interpretations.
“Manitou and Providence: Indians, Europeans, and the Making of New England, 1500-1643” by Neal Salisbury
- A deep dive into the early interactions between Native Americans and European settlers in New England, setting the stage for conflicts like the Pequot War.
“Changes in the Land: Indians, Colonists, and the Ecology of New England” by William Cronon
- Examines the ecological and cultural transformations brought about by colonization, providing context for the tensions that led to war.
Museums and Historic Sites
Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center – Mashantucket, CT
- Offers exhibits on Pequot history, culture, and the war itself. A must-visit for anyone interested in a deep understanding of the Pequot people and their experiences.
Fort Saybrook Monument Park – Old Saybrook, CT
- The site of an early fort and key events during the Pequot War. Features historical markers and interpretive panels.
Mystic Seaport Museum – Mystic, CT
- While primarily focused on maritime history, the museum provides context for the region during the 17th century and the importance of the waterways during the Pequot War.
Online Resources
Digital Public Library of America (DPLA)
- A vast collection of digitized primary sources, including maps, letters, and illustrations related to the Pequot War.
The Pequot War Project
- An online initiative dedicated to gathering and presenting research on the Pequot War, including interactive maps and timelines.
Connecticut History Illustrated
- A digital repository of images, documents, and artifacts from Connecticut’s history, with a section dedicated to the Pequot War.
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