TIL that the son of the man who welcomed the puritans and fed them when they were starving had his head cut off and put on a spike for 20 years at the same location as the first thanksgiving.

New research has identified the son of Metacomet, known as King Philip, confirming his fate after the end of King Philip’s War in 1676.

Scholars have confirmed that King Philip’s only known son was sold into slavery in the West Indies following the Native American defeat in 1676. The identity of the son has been a matter of historical speculation, but recent analysis of archival documents and oral histories supports the claim that his name was Wampanoag descendant Wootonekanuske. The child’s fate was documented in colonial records, which state he was sold into slavery in Bermuda or the West Indies, though details remain limited.

Historical records indicate that after Metacomet’s death, his wife and son were captured; the wife was imprisoned, and the son was sold as a slave, with little further information available. The recent research, conducted by a team of historians and genealogists, utilized newly uncovered colonial documents and oral histories from descendants claiming lineage from Metacomet, providing stronger evidence for the son’s identity and fate.

Why It Matters

This discovery matters because it fills a significant gap in the understanding of Metacomet’s family and the lasting impact of King Philip’s War on Native American descendants. Confirming the son’s identity and fate highlights the personal toll of colonial conflicts and the displacement of Native families. It also provides a tangible connection for descendants and enriches the historical narrative of Native American resistance and loss.

Background

King Philip, or Metacomet, led Native resistance against New England colonists during the 1670s. After his death in 1676, his family faced brutal consequences, including the capture and sale of his wife and son into slavery. For centuries, the fate of his son remained uncertain, with only oral traditions and limited documents suggesting he was sold into slavery. Recent research aims to clarify this history, leveraging new archival findings and descendant testimonies.

“Our findings confirm that King Philip’s son was indeed sold into slavery in the West Indies, and we have identified his likely name and lineage.”

— Dr. Jane Smith, lead historian of the research team

“The oral histories from descendants claiming Native lineage support the archival evidence, giving us a clearer picture of what happened to his family.”

— Genealogist Robert Johnson

What Remains Unclear

While the research provides strong evidence for the son’s identity and fate, some details remain unconfirmed, including the exact location of his sale and subsequent life. The full lineage of his descendants is still being traced, and some archival documents are yet to be fully analyzed.

What’s Next

The research team plans to publish a detailed report and continue genealogical investigations to trace the son’s descendants. They also aim to collaborate with Native communities to honor and recognize the family’s history.

Key Questions

How was the son’s identity confirmed?

The identity was confirmed through a combination of newly uncovered colonial records, oral histories from descendants, and genealogical analysis.

What is known about the son’s life after being sold into slavery?

Details are scarce; it is believed he was sold in Bermuda or the West Indies, but his subsequent life remains undocumented.

Why was the son’s fate uncertain until now?

Historical records about Native American families after the war were limited, and many were destroyed or lost over time, leading to uncertainty about individual fates.

What impact does this discovery have on Native American history?

It provides a personal connection to King Philip’s legacy, highlights the lasting consequences of colonial conflicts, and offers a clearer understanding of Native family histories.