After King Philip’s War: Presence and Persistence in Indian New England

by Colin G. Calloway (editor), Jean M. O'Brien (Contributor)

The 1676 killing of Metacomet, the tribal leader dubbed "King Philip" by colonists, is commonly seen as a watershed event, marking the end of a bloody war, dissolution of Indian society in New England, and even the disappearance of Native peoples from the region. This collection challenges that assumption, showing that Indians adapted and survived, existing quietly on the fringes of Yankee society, less visible than before but nonetheless retaining a distinct identity and heritage. While confinement on tiny reservations, subjection to increasing state regulation, enforced abandonment of traditional dress and means of support, and racist policies did cause dramatic changes, Natives nonetheless managed to maintain their Indianness through customs, kinship, and community.

Genres: History, Native American History

278 pages, Paperback

First published May 15, 1997

About the author

Colin G. Calloway is John Kimball Jr. 1943 Professor of History and Native American Studies at Dartmouth College. His previous books include A Scratch of the Pen and The Victory with No Name.

Reviews

[Rwildfon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another book that Americans need to read. Calloway tells us more than we probably know about the different Native peoples living in New England and their terrible destinies at the hands of the Colonists. His focus is Western Massachusetts where King Philip was living so close by to those of us who live in the Pioneer Valley, and Upstate NY.

This is a required reading, along with Mayflower by Nathaniel Philbrick for the understanding of the historical shaping from what America became.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative ~ just what I was looking for. It is a collection of pieces on the subject of the "disappearance" of Native people from our region after 1676. It really challenges our assumptions and makes you think about what really happened and why.

It wasn't easy reading, much like a college text, which it very well maybe, but worth reading.