Squanto was the Native American of the Patuxet Nation who helped the pilgrims of the Plymouth Colony survive in the New World.

What was Squanto's real name?

Squanto's real name was Tisquantum. "Squanto" was a nickname given to him by William Bradford.

Did Squanto really plot against the pilgrims and the Wampanoag Confederacy?

Yes. Squanto is said to have played the colonists and Native Americans against each other in a plot to gain power for himself.

How did Squanto die and when?

Squanto died in 1622 of "a fever" but historians now believe he may have been poisoned by Massasoit for trying to mount a coup and seize control of the Wampanoag Confederacy.

Squanto Timeline

Definition

Squanto (l. c. 1585-1622) was the Native American of the Patuxet tribe who helped the English settlers of Plymouth Colony (later known as pilgrims) survive in their new home by teaching them how to plant crops, fish, hunt, and generally acclimate to life in the so-called New World.

More about: Squanto

Timeline

c. 1585 - 1622
Life of the Native American Tisquantum, better known as Squanto, who helped the settlers of the Plymouth Colony survive in their new home.
1614
Squanto is among 24 Native Americans kidnapped to be sold into slavery by Captain Thomas Hunt.
1614 - 1619
Squanto lives in Spain and England; learns English and returns to North America.
1619 - 1622
Squanto lives with the Pokanoket tribe of Massasoit and then, under his orders, at Plymouth Colony.
1621 - 1622
Squanto teaches the immigrants of the Plymouth Colony to farm, fish, and hunt; acts as their interpreter with Native Americans of the region.
1622
Squanto engages in secret activities to undermine the authority of the chief Massasoit and take his place. He is discovered but goes unpunished owing to his value to William Bradford and the Plymouth Colony.
1622
Squanto dies either from disease or poisoned by agents of Massasoit.