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Artifacts found nearby, like these arrowheads, can be seen at the Norton Historical Society.
About 14,000 years ago, the land around the trail was covered by a glacier, about a mile thick. As it melted, it dropped sand, rocks, and boulders. A group of boulders formed King Philip’s Cave nearby.
Plants, animals and indigenous people eventually migrated to this area. The Pokanokets, part of the Wampanoag Confederation, lived here for centuries, growing crops, hunting, and fishing.
Early European explorers unknowingly brought disease to our shores devastating local populations. Pokanoket Sachem (Chief) Massasoit, united over 60 weakened tribes, becoming their Supreme Sachem.
In 1620, the Pilgrims landed and more colonists came soon after. Sachem Massasoit signed a peace treaty with the Pilgrims and a relatively peaceful coexistence held for about 50 years. When Massasoit died in 1662, his son, Metacomet (King Philip,) became Supreme Sachem. Cultural differences about “ownership” of the land became contentious and hostilities commenced.
By 1675, raids and retribution led to the declaration of King Philip’s War. Many battles ensued including a successful one led by Sachem Weetamoo when she led 300 warriors into battle. Over time, the Pokanokets and other tribes sustained heavy losses. One of the last skirmishes took place in 1676 at Lockety Neck, where the Rumford and Wading Rivers converge. This site can be seen from the Woodward Forest in Norton.
King Philip’s Cave is a nature preserve maintained by the non-profit Land Preservation Society (LPS) of Norton. Archaeologists have found artifacts indicating that King Philip’s Cave was used as a campsite with easy access to Lake Winnecunnet and connected waterways. It is located off Plain St. on Stone Run Drive.
(Photo by K. Ebert-Zawasky)
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