What Happened to the Pequot People After the Pequot War?
The Pequot War (1636-1638) was a devastating conflict between the Pequot tribe and a coalition of English colonists and Native American allies, including the Mohegan and Narragansett tribes. The war resulted in the destruction of the Pequot tribe as a distinct cultural and political entity. In this article, we will explore what happened to the Pequot people after the war.
Massacre and Slavery
The Pequot War ended with the Massacre at Mystic, where English colonists and their Native American allies attacked and killed hundreds of Pequot men, women, and children. The exact number of casualties is unknown, but estimates range from 400 to 700. The majority of the Pequot population was killed or sold into slavery.
The Fate of the Survivors
The survivors of the Massacre at Mystic were taken captive and sold into slavery. Many were taken to the West Indies, where they were forced to work on sugar plantations. Others were sold to colonists in Massachusetts and New England, where they were used as indentured servants.
Assimilation and Cultural Erasure
The Pequot people who survived the war were forced to assimilate into European-American culture. They were forced to adopt English customs and language, and were prohibited from practicing their traditional culture and spirituality. The Pequot tribe was effectively erased as a distinct cultural and political entity.
Table: The Fate of the Pequot People
| Demographic | Fate |
|---|---|
| Survivors of the Massacre at Mystic | Sold into slavery or taken captive |
| Pequot Children | Sold into slavery or adopted by English colonists |
| Pequot Elders | Forced to assimilate into European-American culture |
| Pequot Land | Confiscated by English colonists |
The Legacy of the Pequot War
The Pequot War had a lasting impact on the history of colonial America. The war marked the beginning of a period of intense violence and conflict between Native American tribes and European colonists. The war also led to the removal of the Pequot people from their ancestral lands, which were then colonized by English settlers.
Modern-Day Pequot Nation
Despite the devastating impact of the Pequot War, the Pequot people have continued to survive and thrive. In 1974, the Pequot Tribe was officially recognized by the federal government. Today, the Pequot Tribe is a federally recognized tribe with its own government, language, and cultural programs.
Table: Modern-Day Pequot Nation
| Program | Description |
|---|---|
| Language Program | Preserves the Pequot language and promotes its use among tribal members |
| Cultural Programs | Preserves Pequot culture and traditions, including music, dance, and art |
| Government | Self-governing tribal government with its own laws and policies |
| Economic Development | Invests in economic development projects, including gaming and tourism |
Conclusion
The Pequot War was a devastating conflict that had a lasting impact on the history of colonial America. The war resulted in the destruction of the Pequot tribe as a distinct cultural and political entity, and the forced assimilation of its survivors. Today, the Pequot Tribe continues to survive and thrive, with its own government, language, and cultural programs. The legacy of the Pequot War serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding and respecting the complex and often fraught history of colonial America.
Recommendations for Further Reading
- "The Pequot War" by Francis Jennings: A comprehensive history of the Pequot War and its impact on colonial America.
- "The Pequot Tribe" by the Pequot Tribe: A brief history of the Pequot Tribe and its modern-day programs and initiatives.
- "The Native Peoples of North America" by Richard W. Hill Sr.: A comprehensive history of the Native American tribes of North America, including the Pequot.
Acknowledgments
This article was written with the assistance of the Pequot Tribe and the Connecticut State Library. The author would like to thank the Pequot Tribe for their permission to use their materials and the Connecticut State Library for their assistance in researching the Pequot War.
