Natick

Definition

Natick refers to a Native American tribe located in present-day Massachusetts, specifically associated with the Nipmuc people. The tribe played a crucial role in early colonial interactions, serving as intermediaries between English settlers and other Native American groups. Natick is also notable for being one of the first places where Christian missionary efforts were successful in converting Native Americans to Christianity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Natick was established as a Praying Town in 1651, reflecting the efforts of missionaries to convert local tribes to Christianity.
2. John Eliot's mission in Natick was significant because it marked one of the first successful attempts at evangelizing Native Americans in New England.
3. The residents of Natick maintained aspects of their traditional culture while also adopting certain European customs brought by the colonists.
4. The town served as a refuge for Native Americans during King Philip's War, illustrating both their resilience and the complexities of colonial-Native relations.
5. Natick remains an important symbol of the intersections between Native American culture and colonial missionary activities, with its legacy continuing to influence discussions around cultural identity today.

Review Questions

• How did the establishment of Natick as a Praying Town reflect the broader goals of colonial missionary efforts?
  • The establishment of Natick as a Praying Town showcased the Puritans' desire to convert Native Americans and integrate them into colonial society. By creating these towns, missionaries aimed to provide a structured environment where Native Americans could adopt Christian beliefs and European customs. This initiative also demonstrated the complexities of colonial relations, as it involved both cooperation and tension between settlers and indigenous populations.
• In what ways did the cultural exchange in Natick influence both Native American and colonial identities during the 17th century?
  • Cultural exchange in Natick significantly influenced both Native American and colonial identities as residents navigated their dual roles. While they adopted certain European practices through missionary efforts, they also retained key aspects of their indigenous culture. This blending created unique identities that reflected a negotiation of power dynamics and contributed to ongoing discussions about cultural preservation and adaptation in a colonial context.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of John Eliot's missionary work in Natick on subsequent interactions between Native Americans and European settlers.
  • John Eliot's missionary work in Natick had profound long-term impacts on interactions between Native Americans and European settlers by setting a precedent for future missionary endeavors throughout New England. His approach aimed not only at conversion but also at fostering relationships between indigenous communities and colonists. However, these interactions were often fraught with complexity, leading to both cultural exchange and conflict as settlers' expansionist policies increasingly undermined Native autonomy. The legacy of Eliot’s work is evident today in ongoing dialogues about religious influence and cultural resilience among Native communities.

Related terms

Nipmuc: The Nipmuc people are a Native American group that originally inhabited parts of central Massachusetts, including the area around Natick.

Praying Towns: Praying Towns were settlements established by Puritan missionaries in New England, designed to convert Native Americans to Christianity and promote English customs.

John Eliot:

John Eliot was a Puritan missionary known for his work with Native Americans, particularly for translating the Bible into the Native language and establishing Praying Towns like Natick.