Metacom (King Philip)
c. 1640
Southeastern Massachusetts
August 12, 1676
Mount Hope
Native American leader
Metacom (also known as King Philip) was the chief of the Wampanoag tribe. He headed the Native American resistance to colonial power in southern New England during the seventeenth century. Colonists celebrated his death, an event that marked their victory in the conflict named for him, King Philip's War (1675–76), and assured English dominance in the region. Critics of the Puritans (people who believe in a branch of Christianity that stressed strict moral and religious codes), however, portrayed Metacom as a hero and condemned those who pushed him to war. These differing opinions reflect the changing alliances and power structures that existed before King Philip's War.
Remains Wary of Colonists
Metacom was born around 1640 in present-day southeastern Massachusetts. As he was growing up he was sensitive to the increasing population of English newcomers. He was one of five children of Massasoit (see entry), a Wampanoag chieftain who had aided and cooperated with Pilgrim colonists in Plymouth. Massasoit has been criticized for selling toomuch Native American land to the English in exchange for their support. After Massasoit died in 1660, his eldest son, Wamsutta, told Plymouth settlers that he was now sachem (chief) of the Wampanoags.
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