Who was Squanto?

Summary

Squanto, originally named Tisquantum, was a Native American from the Patuxet tribe who became instrumental in helping the Pilgrims survive in the New World. Captured by Thomas Hunt and taken to Europe, Squanto learned English and returned to America in 1619. Upon finding his tribe had perished from disease, he assisted the Pilgrims by teaching them vital survival skills and acting as a translator. Despite his remarkable contributions, Squanto died in 1622 from illness. His legacy endures, as students are still taught about his crucial role in early American history.

Takeaways

• 😀 Squanto, whose real name was Tisquantum, was from the Patuxet tribe of Native Americans.
• 😀 Squanto was captured by Thomas Hunt, who intended to sell Native Americans as slaves in Spain.
• 😀 A group of friars bought Squanto and his fellow captives, hoping to educate them in Christianity.
• 😀 Squanto convinced the friars to release him, and he eventually learned English while working as a shipbuilder in London.
• 😀 Squanto traveled to Newfoundland to explore the New England coast, but his journey was interrupted, leading him to return to England.
• 😀 After years of traveling and failed attempts to return home, Squanto finally made it back to America in 1619.
• 😀 Upon his return, Squanto discovered that his tribe, the Patuxet, had died from a plague likely caused by European settlers.
• 😀 Squanto stayed with the Pilgrims who had settled in his village and helped them survive by teaching them farming and fishing techniques.
• 😀 Squanto served as a translator between the Pilgrims and other Native American tribes, thanks to his knowledge of both native languages and English.
• 😀 Squanto was temporarily captured by a local tribe, but was rescued by Captain Myles Standish and welcomed back to Plymouth.
• 😀 Squanto died in 1622 from Indian Fever while working to improve relations between the Wampanoag tribe and the Pilgrims, and was buried in an unmarked grave.

Q & A

Who was Squanto and what was his real name?

Squanto, whose real name was Tisquantum, was a Native American from the Patuxet tribe.

How did Squanto become involved with the Pilgrims?

Squanto became involved with the Pilgrims after being captured and taken to England, where he learned English. He later returned to America and helped the Pilgrims survive by teaching them farming and fishing techniques.

What happened to Squanto when he was captured by Thomas Hunt?

Squanto was captured by Thomas Hunt, who intended to sell him as a slave in Spain. However, the plan was foiled by friars who purchased him with the aim of educating him in Christianity.

How did Squanto manage to return home after being captured?

Squanto convinced the friars to release him and allow him to return to his homeland. He then traveled to London, learned English, and later made his way back to America in 1619.

What tragic discovery did Squanto make when he returned to his homeland?

When Squanto returned to his homeland in 1619, he discovered that his tribe, the Patuxet, and many others had died from a plague, most likely smallpox brought by Europeans.

How did Squanto help the Pilgrims after they settled in his village?

Squanto helped the Pilgrims by teaching them how to fertilize their crops, specifically corn, and showed them how to catch local fish. He also served as a translator between the Pilgrims and other Native American tribes.

Why was Squanto's knowledge of both English and Native American languages important?

Squanto's knowledge of both English and Native American languages was crucial because it allowed him to serve as an effective translator between the Pilgrims and the various Native American tribes, facilitating communication and peace.

What happened when Squanto was captured by a local tribe?

When Squanto was captured by a local tribe, the Plymouth governor, William Bradford, sent Captain Myles Standish and other men to rescue him, with orders to either save him or avenge his death. Squanto was found safe and welcomed back to Plymouth.

How did Squanto die, and what was his legacy?

Squanto died in 1622 from a disease known as 'Indian Fever' while attempting to mediate peace between the Wampanoag tribe and the Pilgrims. He was buried in an unmarked grave, but his contributions to the survival of the Pilgrims are still remembered every year, especially during Thanksgiving.

Why is Squanto often associated with Thanksgiving?

Squanto is associated with Thanksgiving because of his vital role in helping the Pilgrims survive their early years in the New World, teaching them essential skills like farming and fishing, and aiding in the establishment of peace with Native American tribes.