Squanto

Squanto, also known as Tisquantum (c. 1585 – November 1622), was a member of the Patuxet tribe, a Native American people who lived near present-day Plymouth, Massachusetts. He is best known for his crucial role in assisting the Pilgrims during their first winter in the New World.

Squanto’s early life was marked by significant disruption. In the early 17th century, he was captured by English explorers, possibly as early as 1605 or 1614, and taken to England. There, he learned English and gained knowledge of European culture. He later returned to North America, only to find that his tribe had been decimated by disease, likely smallpox brought by European traders.

Upon the arrival of the Pilgrims in 1620, Squanto played a vital role in their survival. He acted as an interpreter and mediator between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag tribe, led by Massasoit. He taught the Pilgrims essential skills for survival in the unfamiliar environment, including how to cultivate indigenous crops such as corn, beans, and squash, fertilize the soil with fish, and locate local food sources. He also helped them navigate the complex political landscape of the region, facilitating trade and diplomacy.

Squanto’s knowledge and assistance were instrumental in the success of the Plymouth Colony's first harvest in 1621, which was celebrated with the first Thanksgiving. However, his influence and actions were not without controversy. He sometimes exploited his position for personal gain and was accused of attempting to undermine Massasoit's authority.

Squanto died in November 1622, likely from a fever, while on an expedition with Governor William Bradford. Despite the controversies surrounding him, Squanto's contributions to the early survival of the Plymouth Colony remain a significant part of American history.