Dover, New Hampshire, USA
The massacre of Cochecho, Dover New Hampshire June 1689:

The inhabitants of Dover had for many years been exposed to the attacks of the Indians, and had suffered much in loss of lives and property. Maj. W., who had carried on a considerable trade with them for some years, had more influence over them than any other man. On the 7th of September, 1676, he proposed to about 400 Indians to have a sham fight with several companies of the whites; in the course of which the white men made the whole of the Indians prisoners before the latter were aware of their design. About 200 of them were set at liberty; the remainder, who at times had been guilty of atrocities, or had shown signs of hostility, were sent to Boston, where 7 0r 8 were put to death, and the others sold into slavery in foreign parts. Some of them returned, and they with others, regarding this act of Maj. Waldron, who had always pretended to be their friend, as a breach of faith, swore against him implacable revenge. In 1689, after a lapse of 13 years, and when all supposed it had been forgotten, they determined to execute their project. Previous to the fatal night (June 27,) some hints had been thrown out by the squaws, but in such ambiguous terms that no one understood their meaning; for when some of the inhabitants expressed their fear to Maj. W. he merrily bade them to "go and plant their pumpkins and he would take care of the Indians". They sent two squaws to each of the Garrison houses, which were five in number, to ask permission to sleep by their fires overnight- which was readily granted them, at all such houses except one. In the dead of night, the doors were unfastened and thrown open by the squaws, and the concerted signal given, when in rushed great bodies of Indians, who had concealed themselves about town for that purpose. Maj. Waldron, who was the particular object of their revenge, although 80 years of age, made a gallant defense; he drove them through several doors with his sword, but, was at last stunned with a hatchet, and compelled to surrender. After they had finished their supper, which they had compelled the women to get them, they placed him on his long table, and cut him across his belly with knives, each one saying "I cross out my account." At last, as he was falling down, one of them held his own sword under him, which penetrated through his body, and put an end to his sufferings. In this affair 23 persons were killed and 29 made captive. They burnt 5 or 6 dwelling houses; together with the mills, and escaped without being attacked by the English. They continued their depredations at various times till 1723, during which time several of the inhabitants were killed, and others taken and sold to the French in Canada.

dover.lib.nh.us

Visit Dover, New Hampshire, USA
Discover the people who lived there, the places they visited and the stories they shared.