Praying Towns

John Eliot established several settlements in Massachusetts called “Indian Praying Towns.” These small communities brought Christian Indians together in one place, separating them further from native people who practiced their traditional beliefs, which Eliot and others called their “pagan” brethren. One such community was established among the Pennacook, in what is now Lowell, at a place called Wamesit. Far from Eliot’s home in Boston, Wamesit was not as closely monitored nor as devout as some other praying towns. The Christian Indians in Wamesit maintained good relations with the non-Christian Pennacook at Pawtucket Falls.

Primary Document

“Wame[s]ut [Wamesit] is our next Praying-Town; it lyeth at the bottom of the great Falls, on the great River Merymak [Merrimack] and at the falling-in of Concord River; the Sachem of this place is called Nomphon, [s]aid to be a prince of the Bloud [Blood], a Man of a real Noble Spirit: A Brother of his was [s]lain by the Mauquaogs [Mohawks] as he was upon a Rock fi[s]hing in the great River. In revenge whereof he went in the aforementioned ra[s]h Expedition, but had [s]uch about him, and was [s]o circum[s]pect, that he came well off, though he lo[s]t one principal Man. This place is very much annoyed by the Mauquaogs, and have much ado to [s]tand their ground.

In this Place Captain Gookins ordered a Garri[s]on to be kept the la[s]t year, which Order while they attended they were [s]afe; but when the Northern Sachems and Souldiers came, who [s]tirred up ours to go with them on their un[s]ucce[s]sful Expedition, the Town was for the mo[s]t part [s]catter’d, and their corn [s]poyled [spoiled].

The Teacher of this Place is named George; they have not much e[s]teem for religion, but I am hopefully per[s]waded of [s]undry of them; I can go to them but once in a year.”