The Narragansett

by William Scranton Simmons, Frank W. Porter

Examines the history, culture, and changing fortunes of the Narraganset Indians of Rhode Island.

Library Binding

First published January 1, 1989

Reviews

[Ann Keller · Rating 4 out of 5]

This group of Native Americans once controlled much of what would become Rhode Island. Their sachems or leaders controlled portions of New York and New England, as well. They lived not in what we would consider typical teepees, but in bark covered huts and they lived in concert with nature, eating shellfish, wild plants and local game.

Have you ever heard of the Great Swamp Fight? It was a telling event in Narragansett history and a tragic end for so many. Over the last two centuries, the Narragansett people lost more and more of their lands, but they are making a come back today. Some of their traditional lands in southern Rhode Island have been recovered. This is a place where the Narragansett people may once again celebrate some of the traditions which made them a great people.

I lived in New England for a time and was somewhat familiar with some of the ancient city names and a little bit of the history surrounding this group. This book was a real eye opener. Well worth the read.

[Cheryl McEnaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is intended for young adults but it is compelling reading for anyone interested in indigenous American cultures. I grew up in Rhode Island and Massachusetts and am very familiar with many of the names and places that are part of the southern New England tribes' histories, but from this book I learned a great deal of information that was completely new to me, and quite fascinating. I'd like to read more of the books in this series.https://www.goodreads.com/review/edit...#