Wamsutta

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Wamsutta (b. c. 1634 - d. 1662), also Alexander Pokanoket as he was called by New England colonists, was a leader (sachem) of the Wampanoag native American tribe. He was the son of Massasoit, and brother of Metacomet who would succeed him. He married Weetamoo.

[edit] Leadership and death

In 1660, Massasoit died and Wamsutta assumed leadership of the Wampanoag. He substantially increased the power of the Wampanoag by selling land to other colonies (as a result of a collapse of the fur trade), and in 1662 this resulted in his being summoned to and seized by the Plymouth Court. After being questioned Wamsutta became ill and died. The cause of death was disputed, and his brother Metacomet (who now assumed leadership of the Wampanoag) suspected that he was poisoned.

Wamsutta's death was one of the factors that would eventually lead to the 1675 King Philip's War.

[edit] Legacy

The name, Wamsutta, has been used in a number of areas: