Who Gave Roger Williams Land?
Roger Williams, the founder of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, is a significant figure in American history. He was a pioneer, a politician, and a theologian who played a crucial role in shaping the early American colonies. One of the most important questions about Roger Williams is who gave him the land to establish his settlement. In this article, we will explore the answer to this question and provide a comprehensive overview of the events surrounding the granting of land to Roger Williams.
Massasoit and the Wampanoag
In 1636, Roger Williams fled Massachusetts Bay Colony after being banished for his disagreements with the Puritan leaders. He traveled to the Wampanoag territory, where he was welcomed by Massasoit, the sachem (leader) of the Wampanoag tribe. Massasoit and Williams formed a strong bond, and the Wampanoag sachem gave Williams a tract of land along the Seekonk River, which is now part of East Providence, Rhode Island.
The Plymouth Settlement
However, the Plymouth settlement, which was established in 1620, also had claims to the same area. The Plymouth Colony had been granted a charter by King James I, which gave them the right to settle in the region. The Plymouth settlers and the Wampanoag had a complex relationship, and the Wampanoag had been friendly towards the English, who had arrived in 1620. However, the Plymouth settlers had been involved in conflicts with the Wampanoag, and the relationship had become strained.
The Narragansett Tribe
In 1637, Williams made a deal with the Narragansett tribe, which gave him a large tract of land in what is now Providence, Rhode Island. The Narragansett sachem, Canonicus, and Williams signed a treaty, which gave Williams the land and recognized his authority over the English settlers. This treaty was significant, as it marked the beginning of a long-standing relationship between the English and the Narragansett tribe.
Key Points
- Massasoit, the sachem of the Wampanoag tribe, gave Roger Williams a tract of land along the Seekonk River in 1636.
- The Plymouth settlement had claims to the same area, but the relationship between the Plymouth settlers and the Wampanoag had become strained.
- In 1637, Williams made a deal with the Narragansett tribe, which gave him a large tract of land in what is now Providence, Rhode Island.
- The treaty between Williams and Canonicus, the sachem of the Narragansett tribe, recognized Williams’ authority over the English settlers and marked the beginning of a long-standing relationship between the English and the Narragansett tribe.
Table: Land Grants to Roger Williams
| Date | Land Grant | Tribe/Leader |
|---|---|---|
| 1636 | Seekonk River | Massasoit (Wampanoag) |
| 1637 | Providence, RI | Canonicus (Narragansett) |
Conclusion
Roger Williams received land grants from both the Wampanoag and the Narragansett tribes, which enabled him to establish his settlement in Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. The relationships between Williams and the Native American tribes were complex and multifaceted, and the land grants were significant milestones in the history of American colonization.