Ousamequin (Massasoit)

The Pokanoket sachem, Ousamequin - also known to history as Massasoit - made an agreement with John Carver, the English governor of Plymouth Colony, on March 22, 1621.

With a few exceptions, the alliance survived for nearly fifty years. Eventually, however, it could not withstand the population pressures and land use controversies that culminated in the outbreak of violence in 1675.

Following the epidemics of the 1610s, the Pokanoket were left in a weakened position after disease decimated Pokanoket and other Wampanoag communities but left their Narragansett neighbors unharmed.

2. That if any of his did any hurte to any of theirs, he should send ye offender, that they might punish him.

6. That when ther men came to them, they should leave their bows & arrows behind them.

with some 90 men, whom for three days we entertained and feasted, and they went out and killed five deer

it is probable that [Ousemequin’s attendance at the celebration] was a political show of force.

Of the 102 Mayflower passengers, about half were alive at the First Thanksgiving: 24 men, five women, and 24 children and teenagers.

At which time, amongst other recreations, we exercised our arms, many of the Indians coming amongst us, and among the rest their greatest king Massasoit, with some ninety men, whom for three days we entertained and feasted, and they went out and killed five deer