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• Massasoit was the leader of the Pokanoket branch of the Wampanoag Tribe. His friendship and generosity saved the settlers of the Plymouth Colony from starvation in the early days of the colony and the two groups signed a peace treaty that prevented other native tribes from attacking the settlers.

• Fast Facts

  1. Born in 1581
  2. Also known as: Osamequin
  3. Massasoit means Great Sachum (leader)
  4. Signed a peace treaty with the Pilgrims in 1621
  5. Died in 1661
  6. His two sons, Wamsutta and Metacomet became the tribe's next two leaders respectively

• Consequences of Peace

  After the Pilgrims provided medicine that helped Massasoit recover from a serious illness, he sold increasing amounts of Wampanoag land to the settlers to prove his gratitude and return their kindness. After Massasoit's death, the fragile peace between the two groups quickly disintegrated and disillusionment over lost lands led to King Philip's War, the most devastating war in American history.

• Related Mahalo Pages

  Plymouth Colony | Jamestown Colony | Massachusetts Bay Colony | Miles Standish | William Bradford | Squanto | The Pilgrims | Wampanoag Tribe | Pequot War | French and Indian War

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