15 Facts About Montowampate

Montowampate was one of three sons of Nanepashemet, the sachem of the entire region occupied by tribes of the confederation.

Montowampate was born in about 1609 to Nanepashemet, the Great Sachem of the Pawtucket Confederation, and his wife, identified in English records only as the Squaw Sachem of Mistick.

Nanepashemet's territory was divided following his death in 1619, and Montowampate was given control over the area consisting of present-day Swampscott, Nahant, Lynn, Lynnfield, Marblehead, Reading, Saugus, and Wakefield.

Montowampate resided on Sagamore Hill in Lynn, a high bluff located near the head of Long Beach.

Not long after their marriage, Wenunchus, escorted by a number of Montowampate's men, returned to her father's territory for a visit.

When Wenunchus was ready to return to Montowampate, Passaconaway sent messengers to Montowampate to tell him that his wife was ready to return and that he should send a convoy to get her.

Montowampate felt that Passaconaway should sponsor the return party, as Montowampate's men had already escorted her to her father.

Montowampate thought that sending a convoy would make him and his people appear subservient to Passaconaway.

Montowampate still refused, telling Passaconaway that he could either send her with his own convoy or keep his daughter.

Montowampate was described by Governor Thomas Dudley as being "of a far worse disposition" than his brother Wonohaquaham.

In 1632, Montowampate purchased muskets, powder, and shot from a settler named Richard Hopkins.

Montowampate took over both his brothers' territories and became sachem of the surviving Pawtucket.

An image of Montowampate was included on Saugus' town seal.

Montowampate is depicted holding a bow and arrow in front of Round Hill and the rising sun.

Montowampate's image is included on the first floor of the new Saugus Middle High School.