Son of Massasoit, who dined with the Pilgrims at the first Thanksgiving, and brother to Metacomet. When Massasoit passed, Wamsutta was the heir (as he was older that Metacomet) to his fathers seat in the Pokanoket tribe in the Wompanoag confederation. Per Massasoit's request, his sons were given English names at Plymouth, Metacomet was to be known as Philip, and Wamsutta, Alexander. Wamsutta was married to Weetamoo, of the Pocassett tribe, whose seat was in present day Tiverton, Rhode Island. As relations intensified, the question of land ownership became the main qualm. As Sachem, Wamsutta could do anything he wanted with the land and give tremendous power and wealth to certain people. Wamsutta was captured in present day Halifax Massachusetts by Maj Josias Winslow. He was taken for "questioning" by what some accounts say was by gunpoint to Plymouth Colony. He was held for three days on no charges. When released he was given a canoe, and started his way down a river. Wamsutta would die on his journey home. This left his now enraged brother, Metacomet as the new Sachem. King Philip would soon start decimating small villages starting with Swansea Massachusetts, and burning everything to the ground. Most people believe that King Philips War started due to the treatment of Wamsutta in the hands of the colonists and that he was poisoned.
Son of Massasoit, who dined with the Pilgrims at the first Thanksgiving, and brother to Metacomet. When Massasoit passed, Wamsutta was the heir (as he was older that Metacomet) to his fathers seat in the Pokanoket tribe in the Wompanoag confederation. Per Massasoit's request, his sons were given English names at Plymouth, Metacomet was to be known as Philip, and Wamsutta, Alexander. Wamsutta was married to Weetamoo, of the Pocassett tribe, whose seat was in present day Tiverton, Rhode Island. As relations intensified, the question of land ownership became the main qualm. As Sachem, Wamsutta could do anything he wanted with the land and give tremendous power and wealth to certain people. Wamsutta was captured in present day Halifax Massachusetts by Maj Josias Winslow. He was taken for "questioning" by what some accounts say was by gunpoint to Plymouth Colony. He was held for three days on no charges. When released he was given a canoe, and started his way down a river. Wamsutta would die on his journey home. This left his now enraged brother, Metacomet as the new Sachem. King Philip would soon start decimating small villages starting with Swansea Massachusetts, and burning everything to the ground. Most people believe that King Philips War started due to the treatment of Wamsutta in the hands of the colonists and that he was poisoned.
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