Samoset was the Abenaki Native American who first welcomed the pilgrims to North America in March 1621.

Why did Samoset welcome the pilgrims?

Samoset was sent by Massasoit, chief of the Wampanoag Confederacy, to make first contact with the Europeans. Samoset was either a guest or a prisoner of the Wampanoag and either volunteered or went in exchange for his freedom.

What is the name of the play in which Samoset is the villain?

The name of the play in which Samoset appears as the villain is The Pilgrims or The Landing of Our Forefathers at Plymouth Rock published in 1808. The author of the piece is unknown.

Samoset's cause of death is unknown. He is said to have died in 1653 at his home in present-day Maine.

Samoset Timeline

Definition

Samoset (l. c. 1590-1653, also given as Somerset) was the Abenaki Native American who first approached the English settlers of Plymouth Colony (later known as pilgrims) in friendship, introducing them to natives Squanto (l. c. 1585-1622) and Massasoit (l. c. 1581-1661) who would help save and sustain the colony.

More about: Samoset

Timeline

c. 1590 - 1653
Life of Samoset, the Native American Abenaki chief who brought together the English settlers of Plymouth Colony with Massasoit of the Wampanoag Confederacy to forge their peace treaty.
16 Mar 1621
Samoset arrives at Plymouth Colony and greets the settlers in English, establishing friendly relations between colonists and Native Americans in New England.
22 Mar 1621
Samoset and Squanto bring Massasoit to Plymouth Colony and act as interpreters during the signing of the peace treaty.
1624
Samoset is back in his native region of Maine negotiating trade agreements with the English.