Massachuset

The name Massachuset means those of the great hills, probably with reference to the ring of hills surrounding the Boston Basin.

History of American Women Maggiemac 2008

The word "squash" comes from the Massachuset Indian word askutasquash, meaning, "eaten raw or uncooked."

Brigitte Mars: Wonderful Winter Squashes 2009

In 1614, when Captain John Smith explored the coast of New England, there may have been as many as 3,000 Massachuset living in 20 villages around Boston Bay.

History of American Women Maggiemac 2008

During the same period, the Abenaki tribe from the north attacked the Massachuset villages.

History of American Women Maggiemac 2008

The Massachuset occupied valleys of the Charles and Neponset Rivers in eastern Massachusetts, including the present site of Arlington, which the natives called Menotomy, meaning place of swiftly running water.

History of American Women Maggiemac 2008

It was a customary sign of respect for the Massachuset to avoid speaking the real name of their sachems.

History of American Women Maggiemac 2008

Only 500 Massachuset were left in the immediate area, and smallpox killed many of these in 1633.

History of American Women Maggiemac 2008

Plymouth colony settlers moving westward among the Massachuset at Wessagusset established the first English settlement in the area in 1622.

History of American Women Maggiemac 2008

In the Eastern Algonquian language of the Massachuset her name translates simply as female chief.

History of American Women Maggiemac 2008

She rose to prominence as the most important Massachuset leader of her era.

History of American Women Maggiemac 2008