Narragansett Tribe of Rhode Island
The Narragansett Tribe, an enduring presence in the history and culture of Rhode Island, represents a significant chapter in the narrative of Native American peoples in the United States. As an Algonquian-speaking tribe, their ancestral lands encompassed not only present-day Rhode Island but also extended into parts of Connecticut and Massachusetts. The name "Narragansett" is believed to translate to "People of the Small Point," a fitting designation for a community deeply connected to the coastal landscape.
A Legacy Etched in Time
Archaeological evidence and the tribe’s rich oral traditions suggest that the Narragansett have inhabited the region for thousands of years, long before the arrival of European settlers. Their deep roots in the land are a testament to their resilience and adaptability. Known for their prowess as warriors, the Narragansett historically offered protection to smaller tribes, including the Manissean, Niantic, Nipmuc, and Wampanoag, in exchange for tribute. This role as protectors underscores their influence and power within the broader Native American community.
Seasonal Rhythms and Community Structure
The Narragansett people traditionally followed a seasonal lifestyle, moving between two types of dwellings. During the harsh New England winters, they resided in longhouses, communal structures that could house up to twenty families. These longhouses provided warmth and shelter, fostering a sense of community during the colder months. In the summer, the tribe migrated to the seashore, where they constructed temporary wigwams made of bark and reeds. This seasonal movement allowed them to take advantage of the abundant resources offered by the sea and the land.
Their survival depended on a combination of agriculture, hunting, and fishing. They cultivated corn, a staple crop that sustained their population, and hunted game in the forests. The coastal environment provided a rich source of seafood, which supplemented their diet. The Narragansett society was organized into multiple bands, each governed by its own territorial chief. These chiefs, in turn, were under the leadership of a head chief, or sachem, who oversaw the entire tribe.
Encounters and Alliances
The first documented contact between the Narragansett and Europeans occurred in 1524 when Giovanni de Verrazano, an Italian explorer in the service of King Francis I of France, sailed into Narragansett Bay. Verrazano’s observations provide valuable insights into the Narragansett society of the time. He described a large, thriving population engaged in agriculture and hunting, organized under powerful leaders he referred to as "kings." It is estimated that the Narragansett population numbered over 10,000 during this period.
European settlement in Rhode Island began in earnest around 1635. A pivotal moment in the relationship between the Narragansett and the colonists occurred in 1636 when Roger Williams, a religious dissenter, acquired land use rights in the area that would become Providence from the Narragansett sachems. Williams, known as the founder of Rhode Island, established the Providence Plantations, fostering a period of relative peace and cooperation.
Shifting Loyalties and Conflict
Initially, the Narragansett allied themselves with the New England colonists during the Pequot War of 1636-37. However, the brutality of the Mystic Massacre in Connecticut in May 1637, where hundreds of Pequot men, women, and children were killed, deeply disturbed the Narragansett. This event marked a turning point in their relationship with the Europeans, leading them to question their alliance.
The Narragansett later found themselves in conflict with the Mohegan tribe over control of the conquered Pequot land. In 1643, Chief Miantonomi led approximately 1,000 Narragansett warriors in an invasion of eastern Connecticut, seeking to subdue the Mohegan. However, the Narragansett were defeated, and Chief Miantonomi was captured and executed, further destabilizing the region.
The Great Swamp Massacre and its Aftermath
A defining moment in the history of the Narragansett Tribe was their alliance with King Philip (Metacomet), the Wampanoag sachem, in 1675. King Philip’s War, a conflict sparked by colonial expansion and encroachment on Native American lands, saw the Narragansett join forces with other tribes to resist the colonists.
In December 1675, the Great Swamp Massacre occurred. Colonial forces attacked a Narragansett fort in the Great Swamp, located in present-day South Kingstown, Rhode Island. The attack resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Narragansett men, women, and children. This devastating loss decimated the tribe, reducing their numbers and shattering their way of life.
In the wake of the massacre, many Narragansett survivors retreated into the forests and swamplands of southern Rhode Island. Others were hunted down and killed, sold into slavery in the Caribbean, or migrated to New York and Wisconsin, seeking refuge among other Native American communities. Today, an obelisk on South County Trail in West Kingston, Rhode Island, commemorates the Great Swamp Fight, serving as a reminder of the tragic events that unfolded there.
Resilience and Rebuilding
By 1682, the Narragansett population had dwindled to less than 500. The remaining members were settled on a reservation in Charlestown, Rhode Island, along with the Niantic tribe. On the reservation, the Narragansett faced immense pressure to abandon their traditional customs and assimilate into colonial society. Their sachem system was formally abolished in 1792, replaced by a five-man council. Despite these changes, tribal members continued to recognize their sachems and maintain their traditional leadership structures.
As the number of colonists increased, the Narragansett’s hunting and farming grounds were significantly reduced, and the clam beds along the coast, a vital source of sustenance, were destroyed. By the end of the 18th century, the reservation area had been reduced to 15,000 acres. Over the following decades, the State of Rhode Island attempted to dissolve the tribe, arguing that its members were of mixed ancestry.
Despite these challenges, the Narragansett people persevered. They continued to maintain their traditional government, recognizing their sachems, medicine men and women, and tribal council. In December 1934, the Narragansett Tribe of Indians was officially incorporated, marking a significant step in their efforts to reclaim their sovereignty.
Federal Recognition and Contemporary Life
In 1975, the tribe filed a land claim suit against the State of Rhode Island and several landowners, seeking the return of approximately 3,200 acres of undeveloped reservation lands. The suit was settled out of court in 1978, with the tribe regaining approximately 1,800 acres. With the support of the Native American Rights Fund, the tribe began the process of seeking federal recognition, which was finally granted in 1983.
Today, the Narragansett Tribe has a population of approximately 2,400 members, most of whom reside in Rhode Island. Although the Narragansett language nearly became extinct during the 20th century, the tribe has launched language revitalization efforts to preserve and promote their cultural heritage.
The Narragansett Tribe of Rhode Island stands as a testament to the enduring spirit and resilience of Native American peoples. Their history is a complex tapestry of cultural richness, conflict, and perseverance. As they continue to rebuild and revitalize their community, they serve as a reminder of the importance of preserving and honoring the legacy of the Narragansett people.
Further Information:
- Narragansett Indian Tribe of Rhode Island
4533 South County Trail
Post Office Box 268
Charlestown, Rhode Island 02813
401-364-1100