The Stockbridge Tribe of the Mohican – Legends of America
The Stockbridge, a prominent tribe within the Mohican Confederacy, trace their origins back to the verdant valley of the Housatonic River in southern Berkshire County, Massachusetts. Initially known as the Housatonic, these indigenous people carved out a life deeply intertwined with the natural rhythms of their ancestral lands. Their story is one of resilience, adaptation, and the enduring spirit of a people navigating the tumultuous currents of history.
Early History and the Influence of Missionaries
The year 1734 marked a significant turning point in the history of the Housatonic people. Missionary endeavors began to take root among them, introducing new religious and cultural influences. Two years later, a pivotal decision was made to consolidate the various bands of the tribe onto a designated tract of land. This reservation, set aside by the Colonial government, aimed to provide a secure space for the Housatonic to maintain their way of life.
As the village of Stockbridge blossomed on this land, the tribe underwent a transformation in name, becoming known as the Stockbridge Indians. This new moniker reflected their connection to the burgeoning settlement and the evolving relationship between the indigenous population and the European colonists.
The French and Indian War and Subsequent Displacement
The tranquility of Stockbridge was shattered with the eruption of the French and Indian War in 1754. This conflict, a theater in the larger struggle between European powers for control of North America, brought devastation to the Stockbridge community. Many of its members enlisted in the English army, aligning themselves with the British cause.
However, this allegiance came at a steep price. The town of Stockbridge became vulnerable to marauding parties, suffering from raids and disruptions that decimated its population. By the war’s end, only about 200 Stockbridge Indians remained, a stark testament to the conflict’s toll.
Adding to their woes, the relentless expansion of white settlements began to encroach upon their territory. Faced with dwindling numbers and increasing pressure from outside forces, the Stockbridge made a momentous decision in 1785. Accepting an invitation from the Oneida tribe, they migrated westward to a tract of land on Oneida Creek in Madison and Oneida Counties, New York.
Rebuilding and Relocation to Wisconsin
Under the protective embrace of the Oneida, the Stockbridge people experienced a resurgence. Their numbers gradually increased, reaching approximately 300 by 1796. This period of relative stability allowed them to rebuild their community and preserve their cultural heritage.
However, the winds of change continued to blow. In 1833, the Stockbridge, along with the Oneida and Munsee tribes, embarked on another westward journey. They relocated to the head of Green Bay, Wisconsin, settling on a tract of land purchased from the Menominee tribe.
This move marked a significant shift in the Stockbridge’s tribal identity. They became incorporated with the Munsee, forging a new alliance that would shape their future. The two tribes merged into a single entity, pooling their resources and cultural traditions.
Further Displacement and the Quest for Stability
In 1839, the Stockbridge and Munsee, now numbering around 420, faced another difficult decision. They sold half of their reservation and agreed to relocate to lands west of the Mississippi River, an area designated for them by the government.
However, this arrangement proved unsatisfactory. A group of about 80 Stockbridge and Munsee ventured to the Missouri River, settling near Leavenworth, Kansas, for a time. But the conditions were not conducive to their way of life, and they eventually returned to Wisconsin.
Amidst these trials and tribulations, the Stockbridge and Munsee demonstrated their unwavering commitment to self-determination. They restored their tribal government, reaffirming their sovereignty and their right to govern their own affairs.
In 1856, the majority of the tribe, with the exception of those who desired to become citizens, moved to a reservation west of Shawano, Wisconsin. This new homeland offered a semblance of stability, allowing them to rebuild their lives and preserve their cultural heritage. By 1909, the united tribes, including the Munsee, numbered approximately 582.
Challenges and Resilience in the 20th Century
The Stockbridge-Munsee faced new challenges in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The General Allotment Act of 1887, aimed at breaking up tribal lands and assimilating Native Americans into mainstream society, resulted in the loss of a significant portion of their land in Shawano County. The Great Depression of the 1930s further exacerbated their economic woes, leading to additional land loss.
Despite these hardships, the Stockbridge-Munsee demonstrated remarkable resilience. In the early 1930s, they began a process of reorganization, working to regain some of their lost lands and strengthen their tribal government. Their efforts culminated in 1937, when the Secretary of the Interior affirmed the existence of their reservation, solidifying their land rights.
The Stockbridge-Munsee Today
Today, the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians continues to thrive in Shawano County, Wisconsin. Their 22,000-acre reservation serves as a center of cultural preservation and economic development. With a population of approximately 1,600, the tribe is actively engaged in various enterprises, including the successful North Star Mohican Resort and Casino.
The Stockbridge-Munsee’s story is a testament to the enduring spirit of Native American people. Despite facing displacement, war, and assimilation policies, they have persevered, maintaining their cultural identity and sovereignty. Their journey serves as an inspiration to all who strive to overcome adversity and preserve their heritage.
Further Exploration
For those interested in learning more about the Stockbridge-Munsee and other Native American tribes, the following resources are recommended:
- Native American Tribes
- Native Americans – First Owners of America
- Native American Photo Galleries
- Native American Proverbs & Wisdom
- Timeline of the Native Americans
Sources:
- Hodge, Frederick Webb; The Handbook of American Indians North of Mexico; Bureau of American Ethnology, Government Printing Office. 1906
- Wikipedia
- Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
© Kathy Alexander/Legends of America, updated March 2025.