Narragansett << `nar` uh GAN siht >> were a Native American tribe that lived on the west side of Narragansett Bay, in what is now Rhode Island. The Narragansett spoke an Algonquian language. They made their living by hunting, fishing, and farming and by gathering edible plant foods. The tribe’s name is also spelled Narraganset.
At first, the Narragansett were friendly to the English colonists who settled in the area. But relations gradually grew worse. In 1675, more than 4,000 Narragansett joined forces with Wampanoag chief King Philip to drive out white settlers. But colonial troops killed all but about 100 warriors (see Indian wars (King Philip’s War (1675-1676)). In 1676, English settlers took over the Narragansett lands.
See also King Philip’s War.
