Musket
This musket, circa 1667, may have belonged to Joseph Williams (1643-1724), Roger Williams’ son (the initials “J.W” are carved into it.) Guns such as this one were used during Metacomet’s (King Philip’s) War (1675-1678), in which Native Americans and English colonists fought for land and power over New England. The musket was found in the rafters of the old Williams’ homestead where Roger Williams Park is now located.
Close Looking Questions:
What do you notice first? What materials do you think it is made of?
How would someone have used this object?
What might this object tell us about the person who owned it?
Dividing Lines: Metacomet’s (King Philip’s) War
Essay by Ann Daly, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of History, Mississippi State University
Long ago, there was trouble between English settlers and nearby Native American tribes. This led to a big fight known as Metacomet’s (King Philip’s) War. The conflict started when three Wampanoag (waam·puh·now·ag) men, who were loyal to their Sachem Metacomet (King Philip), were accused of killing John Sassamon. Sassamon, another Wampanoag, was believed to have warned the English in Plymouth about an attack by Metacomet (King Philip). A few days later, Metacomet attacked Swansea, a town in Massachusetts. The next day, English colonists from Boston and Plymouth got revenge by destroying a large Wampanoag town at Mount Hope (now Bristol), Rhode Island. Native people who had been friendly towards the English now rose up and joined Metacomet’s fight against them.
For a year, the Wampanoag, Narragansett, and other tribes fought with English soldiers from Maine to Rhode Island. Many English towns were destroyed, and the English colonists had to rely on England for help. However, Native Americans suffered more. Thousands were killed by the English, and those who survived were enslaved in the Caribbean or within Rhode Island. Even Native people loyal to the English were negatively affected by the war. They were moved from their settlements and made prisoners on coastal islands. Many died from hunger and disease during the long, cold winter of 1675.
The war ended in 1675 with the death of Metacomet. Benjamin Church, a Rhode Islander, led a group of English and some Native American scouts to chase Metacomet and his soldiers across New England. Even though the English had more people and weapons, the victory was not just about strength. Diseases like smallpox had also hurt Native populations. Church was the first to have English and Native men fight together using Native tactics, and this helped the English win. John Alderman, a Wampanoag man who had become a Christian, shot Metacomet at his headquarters near Mount Hope (Bristol), Rhode Island. Metacomet’s wife and children were sold into slavery in Bermuda, as were many other Native people.
After the war, the English separated themselves from Native people. Some said the war was a test from God, while others thought it was a punishment. This led to unfair treatment and laws against Native Americans. Before the war, some English thought Native people could be like them, but afterward, they believed they were very different. This belief caused more problems for Native Americans in New England, leading to abuse, enslavement, loss of their homes and rights, and separation from their families.
Terms:
Sachem (say·chm): Leader
Reading Comprehension Questions:
1) How did Metacomet’s (King Philip’s) War begin?
2) How were the English able to win the war?
3) What happened to many Native Americans after the war was over?
Next to Narragansett Basket