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 Descendants of Massipee (or Massapee) Indians, a sub-tribe of the larger Wampanoag nation, still gather cranberries in Mashpee—which they call “land near the great cove,” as they have for millennia before the Brits ever thought of leaving England. The Wampanoag Federation existed for centuries in southeastern Massachusetts, consisting of about 30 individual tribes of peaceful people who hunted, fished, grew crops. The Massipees, one of the 30 tribes, remained in the vicinity of the present Mashpee. In 1660, Reverend Richard Bourne appealed to the Massachusetts legislature to set aside land for the Indians. The resulting land, Mashpee Plantation, comprising some 10,500 acres, was given to the Wampanoags in perpetuity although non-native property transfers have compromised the integrity of the initial tract. This was the only Cape town in which native people took legal title to their lands. Land sharing was the way of the Native Americans, but exclusive land ownership was a European principle, resulting in bloodshed. Native Americans rebelled against incessant encroachment by English settlers as King Phillip’s War resulted, after which Wampanoags were decimated and subjugated. In 1767, the Mashpee area had approximately 21 shingled homes, 52 wigwams and 291 people; a century later, the population was a mere 331, very small growth for 100 years. Today, only about 800 Wampanoags call Mashpee home. July’s Wampanoag Pow Wow is a colorful tribal reunion and celebration not to be missed. Mashpee comprises approximately 24 square miles and three villages: Mashpee, New Seabury and Popponessett Beach. Old Indian Meeting House, Route 28. The second Native American church in the state and the oldest standing church on the Cape was built in 1684. It was originally used for Indian worship, meetings and social activities. This building originally sat on the shore of Santuit Pond at Bryant’s Neck. During the early 18th century, the building was moved by oxcart to its present location. Open extended season, limited hours. Masphee Commons, Route 28 and 151. A 30-acre marketplace reminiscent of a New England village, provides excellent shopping, dining and entertainment. Open all year. Mashpee Wampanoag Indian Museum, Route 130. The 1793 building houses exhibits on Wampanoag life. Open extended season or by appointment. Lowell Holly Reservation, (on Conaumet Neck, a peninsula dividing two ponds) off South Sandwich Road. A 130-acre nature preserve on the shores of Wakeby and Mashpee Ponds—the largest fresh water pond complex on Cape Cod and once a favorite fishing haunt of Daniel Webster and President Grover Cleveland. It is the oldest private land trust in the country and contains 500 holly trees and harbors stands of Native American beech trees untouched for centuries and some rare and beautiful wildflowers. Birders have spotted eagles, osprey and hawks here. Open May-October. Mashpee River Woodlands, . With eight miles of hiking trails along the Mashpee River, a protected waterway perfect for canoeing, birdwatching and hiking. This is a perfect spot to see the transition between salt and fresh water habitats. Beaches: South Cape Beach (Great Oak Road); Ataquin Park & Beach (Lake Avenue off Route 130) Mashpee Pond (fresh water); 258-acre John’s Pond Park (Hoophole Road; bath house and snack bar). |
