“Shaped like an arrowhead.” That’s what Moswetuset means. We’re standing at Moswetuset Hummock. It is a place of significant history. This small hill in Squantum, Massachusetts holds stories of Native Americans and early colonists.
Moswetuset Hummock was once the seat of Chickatawbut. He was the ruling Sac’hem or chief of the Moswetuset tribe. This tribe gave its name to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. For centuries the Moswetuset tribe called the shores of Quincy Bay their seasonal home. Imagine tribal councils held right here during the warm season.
The hummock itself is a geological feature. It is a small, rounded hill less than fifty feet high. Experts believe hummocks formed under colder conditions. Permafrost may have been present in the ground then.
This place witnessed a crucial negotiation. Chickatawbut met with Plymouth Colony commander Myles Standish here. Tisquantum also known as Squanto served as their guide. Think about that historic meeting. It was a meeting of different worlds.
Historian Daniel Neal wrote about Moswetuset Hummock in 1747. He explained the origin of the Massachusetts name. The chief’s seat was on this hill shaped like an arrowhead. In their language, arrowhead was “mos” and hill was “wetuset.” Thus, the Sachem’s seat was called Moswetuset. The tribe became the Moswetuset Indians. With a slight change, the province became Massachusetts.
The Moswetuset Hummock offers great views. A 0.4-mile woodland trail loops around it. It gives us beautiful views of the surrounding marshes. Look out to Quincy Bay. See if you can spot the osprey nest in the salt marsh.
This land is within the region of the Massachusett tribe. The Massachusett at Ponkapoag share information on their website. We encourage you to learn more about the local Native American tribes.
Moswetuset Hummock is a place where history and nature meet. Take a moment to appreciate this special place. Acknowledge its importance to the Native American people and the history of Massachusetts. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970. The Ponkapoag people also recognize it as historic. As we leave Moswetuset Hummock remember its story. Remember the legacy of the Moswetuset tribe.