Benjamin Church (1639-1718) was an English militia commander during King Philip's War between English colonists and the Wampanoag and allied Native American tribes (1675-1676). Church devised effective military tactics and controversially recruited Native American allies against their people, playing a crucial role in the English victory. His decisions remain debated among historians. He also served as a colonial official, magistrate, and wrote an account of the war, influencing warfare and American history.
Tag: Metacom Saga
Metacomet: A Symbol of Native American Resistance
Metacomet, also known as King Philip, was a Wampanoag sachem (chief) who led his people in the King Philip's War, one of the bloodiest conflicts in American history. Metacomet was a complex and controversial figure, but he is undoubtedly one of the most important Native American leaders in history. Metacomet's Early Life Metacomet was born … Continue reading Metacomet: A Symbol of Native American Resistance
The Impact of King Philip’s War on Native Americans and English Settlers
King Philip's War, also known as the Metacomet's War, was a major conflict between Native Americans and English settlers in New England from 1675 to 1676. The war was sparked by a number of factors, including religious tensions, trade disagreements, and English encroachment on Native American land. Religious Tensions One of the main causes of … Continue reading The Impact of King Philip’s War on Native Americans and English Settlers
The Missing Sachem’s Club
The King Philip’s War has the distinction as being known as the bloodiest conflict per capita than any other war in American history. The colonists had settled in the New World, where they sought religious freedom and new opportunities. Although relations with the Native Peoples were initially on good terms, the desire for expansion led … Continue reading The Missing Sachem’s Club
Redemption Rock
The English colonies in 1675 desperately were unprepared for a war with the indigenous tribes of New England, led by King Philip. The colonists believed that they were God’s chosen people. They believed that God had created a profound agreement with them, whereupon he would grant them good fortune if they would follow the Scriptures, … Continue reading Redemption Rock
Wessaguset
I have been observing a Facebook group dedicated to the Descendants of the Mayflower. Several of the members of this group were discussing the current movement of how monuments are being torn down. Even the historic state park will change its name to Patuxet- the original Wampanoag name for the site. https://tinyurl.com/y37hntwy One person said, … Continue reading Wessaguset
Nine Men’s Misery
Have you heard the story of Nine Men’s Misery? Few, but some locals have. The tale is an example of how bloody and brutal that author Russell Bourne has described as ‘The Red King’s Rebellion’ was. The conflict devastated both sides. For the settlers, it would affect them for decades. No one would venture the … Continue reading Nine Men’s Misery
Hometown Inspiration
When I was a boy, one fact that I learned while my grandfather was undergoing his research was that there was an Indian war in New England. This surprised me because I thought that only wars with natives were with cowboys and soldiers out in the Wild West. It shocked me to learn that the … Continue reading Hometown Inspiration
Osamequin: The Father
The purpose of my writing the series called ‘The Metacom Saga’ is to give a true historical account of the events that occurred during a little known and very misunderstood conflict. This was a golden age. They considered the land to be a land of primeval darkness, to reclaim from sin in the name of … Continue reading Osamequin: The Father
The Angel of Hadley
Three hundred forty-four years ago, on June 12, 1676, natives from the area of the Connecticut River Valley attack the poorly defended town of Hadley, Massachusetts. When any salvation seemed beyond hope, the story is told that a mysterious elderly gentleman appeared in their midst. Not only did he rally the residents, but he took … Continue reading The Angel of Hadley
Eric J Ostroff 