Kennebec Tribe of Maine – Legends of America
The Kennebec tribe, a significant branch of the broader Abenaki nation, holds a prominent place in the history and heritage of Maine. Also known as the Norridgewock and Kennebis, this resilient group of Native Americans thrived in the Kennebec Valley, their lives deeply intertwined with the river that bore their name. This article delves into the rich history, culture, and eventual dispersal of the Kennebec people, offering a glimpse into their world and their interactions with European colonists.
Origins and Nomenclature
The name "Kennebec" is derived from the Kennebec River, a vital waterway that served as both a lifeline and a defining feature of their territory. In the Abenaki language, "kinipek" translates to "bay," reflecting the river’s eventual emptying into the expansive bay. This connection to the land and its resources was central to the Kennebec identity.
Territorial Divisions and Leadership
At the time of early European exploration, the Kennebec were organized into four distinct bands, each with its own chief, but all acknowledging the authority of a paramount chief residing on Little Swan Island, situated in the Kennebec River near present-day Richmond. This fortified home of the chief, constructed from logs in a circular design, symbolized the tribe’s strength and unity. The four bands included:
- Sagadahoc: Living between Merrymeeting Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, they were strategically located to control coastal resources and trade routes.
- Cushnoc: Dwelling in the vicinity of present-day Augusta, they occupied a crucial central location within the Kennebec Valley.
- Tacconet: Possessing the fertile lands along the Sebasticook River near Waterville, they were known for their agricultural prowess and resourcefulness.
- Norridgewock: The most powerful of the four, they resided in the village of the same name on the Kennebec River, a significant hub of tribal activity.
Historical estimates suggest that the Kennebec warriors numbered around 1,500, a formidable force that reflected their influence and ability to defend their territory.
Cultural Snapshot and Daily Life
A vivid description of the Kennebec people and their way of life comes from Father Sebastien Rasles, a Jesuit missionary who lived among them for 35 years. His observations provide invaluable insights into their customs, attire, and social structure.
According to Father Rasles, the Kennebec lived in bark-covered cabins with a central fire pit. Their beds and chairs were mats woven from reeds, reflecting their resourcefulness in utilizing natural materials. Men wore animal skins or loose robes of cloth, while women wore graceful mantles and leggings of skin or cloth. Moccasins of deerskin protected their feet, and in winter, they used snowshoes to navigate the snowy terrain.
The Kennebec were described as tall, active, and strong, with striking white teeth. They adorned themselves with beads made of shells, arranged in intricate patterns on belts. Children were cherished, and the elderly were treated with the utmost respect, highlighting the importance of family and community.
Skilled hunters and warriors, the Kennebec were adept with the bow and arrow, even children displaying remarkable accuracy. In warfare, they divided into small, agile companies, armed with knives and tomahawks, making them a formidable force. They were known for their ability to strike swiftly and instill fear in their enemies.
Their eating habits were characterized by irregularity, with periods of feasting followed by times of scarcity. Tobacco was a valued luxury, enjoyed by all members of the tribe. Father Rasles noted that the Kennebec were "less barbarous than other tribes," suggesting a level of refinement and social order.
French Influence and Conflict
In 1688, the French established a mission at Norridgewock, marking the beginning of a significant period of cultural and political influence. In 1695, Father Sebastien Rasles took up residence there, building a church and dedicating himself to the spiritual and material well-being of the Kennebec.
Father Rasles played a crucial role in shaping the tribe’s relationship with the French. As tensions escalated between France and England over control of Maine, Rasles successfully swayed the Kennebec to support the French cause. This alliance made the Kennebec a target for English colonists, who viewed them as dangerous adversaries.
Involvement in Indian Wars
The Kennebec, along with other Abenaki tribes, engaged in several conflicts with the English colonists in an attempt to halt the encroachment upon their ancestral lands. These conflicts included:
- King William’s War (1689-1697)
- Queen Anne’s War (1702-1713)
- Dummer’s War (1721-1725), also known as Lovewell’s War
- Father Le Loutre’s War (1749-1755)
During Lovewell’s War, a pivotal event occurred on August 23, 1724, when British forces attacked Norridgewock, resulting in the death of Father Rasles. In retaliation for the raid, the Kennebec burned the town of Brunswick, further escalating the conflict.
Dispersal and Legacy
Following the devastating raid on Norridgewock and the death of Father Rasles, the remaining Kennebec people were scattered. Some fled to Canada, seeking refuge among other Abenaki communities. Others merged with other Abenaki and Algonquian groups in New England, losing their distinct tribal identity.
Today, there is no longer a distinct Kennebec band. However, their legacy endures in the history and culture of Maine. The Kennebec River continues to bear their name, a constant reminder of their presence and their deep connection to the land.
Conclusion
The story of the Kennebec tribe is a poignant chapter in the history of Native Americans in Maine. Their resilience, cultural richness, and tragic dispersal serve as a reminder of the complex interactions between indigenous peoples and European colonists. While the Kennebec may no longer exist as a distinct entity, their memory lives on in the landscape and the stories of the Abenaki people.