Hockomock Swamp

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Hockomock Swamp is a vast wetland encompassing much of the northern part of southeastern Massachusetts. This 6,000-acre (24 km²) land is considered the second largest wetland in the state. It acts as a natural flood control mechanism for the region.

[edit] History

Centuries ago, the Hockomock Swamp played as a major role for such native inhabitants of the region such as the Wampanoag. It was used as a fortress by the natives against invasion of early white settlers in Colonial America. It significantly played a role in King Philip's War as a strategic base of operations for Metacomet, also known as "King Philip," to launch Indian assaults upon nearby settlements in the region.

During the 18th and 19th century, early Anglo-Saxon settlers in the local region felt that the swamp was worthless barren land that could be converted into profitable farmland. This was made aware to the surrounding communities by Benjamin Drake of Easton and also later William L. Chaffin.

However, the native inhabitants of the region didn't feel the same way as did early colonial settlers. For centuries, these Indians greatly relied on hunting game from the swamp, all so much that they worshipped its presence in the area. They named it Hockomock Swamp meaning "Place Where Spirits Dwell;" therefore embracing its resources and fearing superstitions and stories that become associated with the swamp over time.

There are many stories, myths, and local legends that became associated with this massive swamp. In modern times, it has remained a place of mystery, fear, and stories. It does to this day distill a sense of frightfulness and uneasiness with individuals of a curious nature. Ever so more, believers of the swamp's spirits, superstitious nature, and paranormal phenomena, came to nicknaming the swamp and all its content as the "Bridgewater Triangle."

[edit] See also

[edit] External links

	Taunton River Watershed
Main river	Taunton River
Tributaries	Assonet River · Canoe River · Cedar Swamp River · Cocasset River · Cotley River · Forge River · Hockomock River · Matfield River · Mill River · Nemasket River · Rumford River · Salisbury Plain River · Satucket River · Segreganset River · Snake River · Taunton River · Three Mile River · Town River · Wading River · Winnetuxet River
Lakes/Ponds	Assawompset Pond · Great Quittacas Pond · Little Quittacas Pond · Lake Nippenicket · Norton Reservoir · Lake Mirimichi · Lake Rico · Lake Sabbatia · Leach Pond · Long Pond · Pocksha Pond · Somerset Reservoir · Turnpike Lake · Watson Pond · Winnecunnet Pond
Miscellaneous	Assonet Bay · Hockomock Swamp