Ninigret (chief)
Ninigret was a principal sachem of the Eastern Niantics in the early 1630s, a Native American group located in the coastal region of western Rhode Island. He led the Eastern Niantics during a time of significant pressure from both the more powerful Narragansetts and the encroaching British settlers. Ninigret is particularly noted for his diplomatic approach, seeking to maintain the independence of his people while navigating the complexities of colonial relations. He participated in military actions against the Pequot tribe in alliance with British forces but faced numerous conflicts with colonial authorities, particularly regarding his support for the Narragansetts during their conflicts with the Mohegans. In the 1650s, Ninigret's leadership faced further challenges due to colonial incursions into Niantic territory, prompting him to evade capture by retreating into swamps with his followers. He played a cautious role in King Philip's War, initially avoiding direct conflict before later supporting British efforts. Ninigret's legacy is characterized by his ability to adapt to a rapidly changing political landscape while striving to protect the interests of his people.
Ninigret (chief)
Category: Tribal chief
Tribal affiliation: Niantic
Significance: Ninigret was sachem of the eastern branch of the Niantic of southern Connecticut; he skillfully avoided being drawn into the seventeenth century wars between the Indians and the English settlers
In the early 1630’s, Ninigret was principal sachem of the eastern branch of the Niantics. The Eastern Niantics occupied the coastal region of western Rhode Island and were subject to the more numerous and powerful Narragansetts, to whom they paid tribute. Ninigret was notable for struggling to preserve his independence from the British while avoiding a war with them such as destroyed other New England tribes. He joined the British Mohegan-Narragansett attack on the Pequots in 1636-1637, but in the 1640’s Ninigret repeatedly clashed with British authorities for his support of the Narragansetts in their war with the Mohegans. In 1653-1654, Niantic attacks on the Montauks of Long Island brought more disputes with colonial authorities, and a small British army invaded Niantic country to chastise Ninigret. He evaded contact by hiding in swamps with his people. During King Philip’s War of 1675-1676, Ninigret avoided participation until the later stages of the conflict, when his Niantics assisted the British. In contrast, the Narragansetts had chosen to fight the British and suffered terrible losses. Regarded by the British as a schemer, Ninigret was a cunning survivor who recognized the reality of British power and reluctantly accommodated himself to it.
