The Factual History of "Conflicting Roots"
- robertw
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
Readers of my novel Conflicting Roots may remember the significance of the Taunton River in southeastern Massachusetts for native Wampanoag people. It was in this small river that the beheaded body of one of the main characters was found floating.
In this recall of a tragic event in the factual history of King Philip’s War by KPW350, we learn why Captain Benjamin Church was known as Plymouth Colony’s “Indian Fighter.”
Death and Captivity at Bridgewater
For thousands of years, the Taunton River had provided for the Indigenous people who called what is now Southeastern Massachusetts home. A site of fishing, hunting, and a means of transportation, it had contributed to the creation of a rich culture and served as a communication network.
In July 1676, however, it became the site of death and captivity. Having been instructed by Governor Winslow to make his way to Bridgewater, MA, Captain Benjamin Church had set up camp at Monponsett Pond, a site approximately eight miles from Bridgewater. On July 31, Church’s men came across a number of Indigenous people crossing the Taunton River. Launching an attack against those in the midst of crossing, the English killed several people, among them relatives of Metacom. Even more were taken captive, among them being one of Metacom’s sisters. This event would not be the first time that Bridgewater would become a site of death during King Philip’s War. (1)
Among those killed was Metacom’s uncle, Unkompoin. It is known that at least one of Metacom’s sisters was captured but it is unclear in the secondary sources if it was Amie, the wife of Tispaquin, or another sister whose name is not known.For thousands of years, the Taunton River had provided for the Indigenous people who called what is now Southeastern Massachusetts home. A site of fishing, hunting, and a means of transportation, it had contributed to the creation of a rich culture and served as a communication network.
Many thanks to Bristol Historical & Preservation Society for their permission to share this piece with my readers.