King Philip’s Throne

This is where the English captured Wampanoag Chief Metacomet (Wikipedia), known as King Philip, in 1676, thus ending the King Philip’s War, likely the bloodiest Indian – colonial conflict in New England history. As a matter of fact, at this rocky ledge, overlooking Narragansett Bay, Chief Metacomet held his war meetings. He also used the place as a lookout for enemy ships and soldiers.

When the war eventually turned against him, he took refuge in the great Assowamset Swamp in southern Rhode Island. Here he held out for a time, with his family and remaining followers.

Hunted by a group of rangers led by Captain Benjamin Church, he was fatally shot by Praying Indian John Alderman, on August 12, 1676, in the Miery Swamp near Mount Hope in Bristol, Rhode Island. After his death, his wife and eight-year-old son were captured and sold as slaves in Bermuda, while his head was mounted on a pike at the entrance to Fort Plymouth where it remained for over two decades. His body was cut into quarters and hung in trees. Alderman was given one of the hands as a reward.