David Weed

How King Philip’s War Led to the Revolutionary War

While the nation commemorates 250 years since the Declaration of Independence, this year also marks 350 years since King Philip’s War (1675–1676) — a pivotal but often overlooked conflict fought right here in New England. Often called “America’s first war,” King Philip’s War was one of the most devastating conflicts in colonial history, reshaping the relationship between Indigenous peoples and English settlers and leaving lasting political and cultural effects on the region. This presentation by Dr. David Weed, historian for the Sowams Heritage Area Project (sowams.org), will shed light on the causes, key events, and lasting legacy of the war, connecting it to the growing spirit of independence that would emerge a century later.

David Weed, PsyD, (drweed@cox.net, SowamsEarlyHistory.org, KPW350.org) a retired clinical psychologist living in Warren, Rhode Island, became interested in the history of the 17th century in and around his community. In 2020 he launched the Sowams Heritage Area Project which is working to create a new National Heritage Area encompassing nine communities between Bristol and Providence, Rhode Island, and nearby Massachusetts to highlight the unique history of this area. Based on Sowams, the homeland of the Massasoit Ousamequin who welcomed the Pilgrims in 1621, the project highlights five historic themes.