Born: c.1600
Died: 1622

“Squanto continued with them and was their interpreter and was a special instrument sent of God for their good beyond their expectation.”

—William Bradford, Of Plimoth Plantation

Tisquantum, also known by the Pilgrims as Squanto, was a Wampanoag native of Patuxet, the site of Plymouth Colony. Tisquantum’s role in helping the English settlers survive is often recounted in schoolbooks. His real story is more complex.

In 1614, he was forcibly taken from his people. Captain Thomas Hunt tricked a group of Wampanoag men and boys and sold them as slaves in Spain. Freed by intermediaries, Tisquantum ended up in England, where he became the servant of merchant John Slany of London. He learned to speak English and make his way in an unfamiliar society. Returning home in 1619, Tisquantum found out that nearly everyone from his home village had died in a great pandemic.

When English colonist arrived and occupied Patuxet, the displaced Tisquantum served as guide and interpreter between the Wampanoag and the Pilgrims. William Bradford valued his fluency and help. The Wampanoag had cause to distrust him. Tisquantum manipulated translations for his own advantage and lost the favor of Ousamequin, the Massasoit, when his attempts to create a personal power base were exposed.

Tisquantum came to stay with the English. Ousamequin asserted his jurisdiction over him and demanded his return, according to the terms of the 1621 treaty. Governor Bradford’s reluctance to comply caused a rupture. In 1622, before further conflict ensued, Tisquantum died of illness.