DuckstersDucksters
History Biography Geography Science Games

Biography

Squanto

History >> Native Americans >> Biographies


Squanto Teaching
by The German Kali Works, New York
Biography:

Where did Squanto grow up?

Squanto grew up near what is today the city of Plymouth, Massachusetts. He was a member of the Patuxet tribe and part of the larger Wampanoag confederacy. As a Wampanoag boy he would have learned how to hunt with a bow and arrow at an early age. Much of his childhood would have been spent following around adult men and learning men's skills such as fishing, hunting, and being a warrior.

Kidnapped

In the early 1600s, European explorers arrived in North America. One of them, Captain George Weymouth, arrived near Squanto's home searching for gold. When he didn't find any gold, he decided to capture some of the local natives and take them back to England. One of the men he captured was Squanto.

Return to America

Squanto lived in England for a while learning English. He eventually got a job as an interpreter and scout for Captain John Smith who was going to explore Massachusetts. He returned to America in 1614.

Note: Some historians disagree on whether Squanto was kidnapped by Captain Weymouth or if his first contact with the English was actually in 1614.

Captured Again

John Smith returned to England and left Thomas Hunt in charge. Hunt tricked a number of Indians, including Squanto, to board his ship. Then he kidnapped them, hoping to make some money by selling them into slavery in Spain.

When Squanto arrived in Spain, he was rescued by some local priests. He lived with the priests for a while and then made his way to England.

Getting Back Home

After a few years in England, Squanto was able to once again sail on John Smith's ship back to Massachusetts. After years of travel he was finally home. However, things were not as he had left them. His village was deserted and his tribe gone. He soon discovered that the disease smallpox had killed most of his tribe the year before. Squanto went to live with a different Wampanoag tribe.

Helping the Pilgrims

Squanto became the interpreter for Massasoit, the Wampanoag chief. When the Pilgrims arrived and built Plymouth Colony, Squanto was the interpreter between the two leaders. He helped to establish a treaty between the colonists and the Wampanoag.

While visiting the Pilgrims, Squanto realized that they needed help to survive the winter. He taught them how to plant corn, catch fish, eat wild plants, and other ways to survive in Massachusetts. Without Squanto, Plymouth Colony may have failed.

Later Life and Death

Squanto continued to be the main interpreter and intermediary between the colonists and the Wampanoag. Some historians think that Squanto may have abused his power and told lies to both sides. The Wampanoag came to not trust him.

In 1622, Squanto became ill with a fever. His nose began to bleed and he was dead in a few days. No one is quite sure what he died from, but some think he may have been poisoned by the Wampanoag.

Interesting Facts about Squanto Activities

  • Listen to a recorded reading of this page:



  • For more Native American history:

    Culture and Overview
    Agriculture and Food
    Native American Art
    American Indian homes and Dwellings
    Homes: The Teepee, Longhouse, and Pueblo
    Native American Clothing
    Entertainment
    Roles of Women and Men
    Social Structure
    Life as a Child
    Religion
    Mythology and Legends
    Glossary and Terms

    History and Events
    Timeline of Native American History
    King Philips War
    French and Indian War
    Battle of Little Bighorn
    Trail of Tears
    Wounded Knee Massacre
    Indian Reservations
    Civil Rights

    Tribes
    Tribes and Regions
    Apache Tribe
    Blackfoot
    Cherokee Tribe
    Cheyenne Tribe
    Chickasaw
    Cree
    Inuit
    Iroquois Indians
    Navajo Nation
    Nez Perce
    Osage Nation
    Pueblo
    Seminole
    Sioux Nation

    People
    Famous Native Americans
    Crazy Horse
    Geronimo
    Chief Joseph
    Sacagawea
    Sitting Bull
    Sequoyah
    Squanto
    Maria Tallchief
    Tecumseh
    Jim Thorpe
    Works Cited



    History >> Native Americans >> Biographies


    Ducksters Footer Gif with Ducks


    About Ducksters Privacy Policy 

     

    This site is a product of TSI (Technological Solutions, Inc.), Copyright 2024, All Rights Reserved. By using this site you agree to the Terms of Use.