The Nipmuc were a group of related Native American tribes that traditionally lived in what is now central Massachusetts. Their territory also extended into present-day northern Rhode Island and Connecticut. They lived away from the ocean, and their name means “freshwater fishing place.”

Society and culture

The territory of the Nipmuc was rich in food sources. In fertile soil they grew corn (maize), beans, squash and other crops. In the thick forests they hunted moose, deer, black bear, and smaller game such as rabbits and squirrels. The Nipmuc fished in lakes and rivers and gathered wild roots, berries, and nuts.

The houses of the Nipmuc were made from pole frames covered with bark or woven mats. Each of their villages was politically independent, governed by a chief called a sachem. People in neighboring villages were often trading partners and military allies, however.

History

The Nipmuc territory was not far from the Plymouth Colony established by the Pilgrims in 1620. By 1674 some Nipmuc had converted to Christianity and moved to villages established by English settlers. Most of the Nipmuc, however, wanted to drive the English from their lands. In 1675 they joined an alliance led by the Wampanoag Indian leader Metacom (also known as King Philip) in a war against the colonists. King Philip's War was the bloodiest conflict in 17th-century New England.

After the Indian forces were defeated, the surviving Nipmuc fled their lands. Some joined the Mahican and other tribes living along the Hudson River. Others fled to present-day Canada.

Warfare and disease took a heavy toll on the Nipmuc population. In 1910 there were fewer than 100 Nipmuc. Their numbers then grew, however. By the late 20th century more than 400 Nipmuc lived in the United States.

Two Nipmuc groups are currently recognized by the state of Massachusetts—the Hassanimisco Band in Grafton and the Chaubunagungamaug Band in Webster. In 1989 the Nipmuc Tribal Acknowledgment Project was established to identify people of Nipmuc ancestry and acquire land for Nipmuc bands.