The Historical Homelands of the Narragansett Tribe

The Narragansett Indians are a tribe of indigenous people who have lived in the northeastern United States for over 5,000 years. Their historical homeland is the State of Rhode Island, specifically the regions now known as Rhode Island and parts of southern Massachusetts. This article delves into the rich history, culture, and pivotal events that shaped the Narragansett Tribe and its way of life.

Archaeological Evidence and Oral History

The existence of the Narragansett Indians predates written documentation, with archaeological evidence and oral history establishing their presence in the region for more than 5,000 years. This timeline extends well beyond the earliest written records and is a testament to the deep-rooted indigenous history of the area. Rock formations and oral traditions within the community serve as important markers of their long-standing heritage.

First European Contacts

The first documented interaction between the Narragansett Indians and Europeans occurred in 1524, when Giovanni de Verrazano visited Narragansett Bay. He described a large Indian population engaged in agriculture and hunting, organized under powerful chiefs or "kings." This early interaction provided a glimpse into the thriving and organized society of the Narragansett people.

Tribal Dynamics and Alliances

The Narragansett tribe played a significant role in the region, known for their warrior status. They offered protection to smaller tribes, including the Nipmuck bands, Niantics, Wampanoag, and Manisseans, who all paid tribute to the Narragansett. These affiliated tribes lived in various parts of Rhode Island before the arrival of the first European settlers in the early 1630s.

Land Acquisition and Early Settlement

In 1636, the Narragansett Sachems accepted land use rights for Providence, Rhode Island, from Roger Williams. The rapid expansion of European colonists soon led to direct contact with the Narragansett and Niantic Sachems. This early period of interaction marked the beginning of significant changes in the political and social structure of the indigenous tribes.

King Philip's War and the Great Swamp Massacre

The turning point in Narragansett history was the outbreak of King Philip's War in 1675. The Narragansett allied themselves with the Wampanoag to oppose the colonial expansion and reclaim their ancestral lands. The Great Swamp Massacre, a devastating event that occurred in 1675, saw a force of Puritans from Plymouth, Massachusetts Bay, and Connecticut massacre a group of Narragansett, mostly women, children, and elderly men, who were living in an Indian winter camp in the Great Swamp, present-day South Kingstown.

Retreat and Resilience

Following the Great Swamp Massacre, many Narragansett retreated to the forests and swamplands in southern Rhode Island. This area, now part of the Narragansett Reservation, is a testament to their resilience and determination to preserve their culture. Many Narragansett who refused to submit to the authority of the United Colonies either left the region or were hunted down and killed. Some were sold into slavery in the Caribbean, others migrated to upstate New York, and many moved to Brotherton, Wisconsin.