Metacomet (King Philip)

After the Pilgrims’ arrival, Native Americans in New England grew increasingly frustrated with the English settlers’ abuse and treachery. Metacomet, known as King Philip, a son of the Wampanoag sachem known as the Massasoit, Ousamequin, called upon native people to unite to defend their homelands against encroachment. The resulting King Philip’s War lasted from 1675 to 1676. Metacomet was murdered in Rhode Island in August 1676, and his body was mutilated. His head was impaled on a pike and displayed near this site for more than 20 years. One hand was sent to Boston, the other to England. Metacomet’s wife and son, along with the families of many of the Native American combatants, were sold into slavery in the West Indies by the English victors.

Plymouth, Massachusetts · United States