The Wampanoag Tribe of Martha's Vineyard

The Wampanoag Tribe of Martha's Vineyard, by Thomas Dresser
 
My grandmother (my mother's mother) used to always say that we were related to a Civil War hero named Major Bailey, who married a Wampanoag Indian. When my wife saw The Wampanoag Tribe of Martha's Vineyard, she brought it home for me. This book has a lot to offer, not just for descendants, but for anyone interested in understanding Native American history and culture.

The Wampanoags believe in a legendary ancestor named Moshup, who lived on the western end of Martha's Vineyard. He cut down all the wood over time for his cooking fire. That's why this area lacks trees. He would smoke his pipe, which causes the morning fog. When the White man came to colonize Martha's Vineyard, Moshup hid in the woods. The Wampanoags believe they are custodians of the environment. They don't believe they actually own the land. When white colonists came, their main focus was on converting the Native-Americans to embrace Christianity. The colonists also managed to get land from the Wampanoags, who probably didn't understand the transaction. Fortunately, the United States government finally recognized the tribe and reinstated their land.

The Wampanoags have embraced their heritage and customs. They are a proud people, as they should be. On a small scale, this book addresses the plight of the Native -American. Fortunately, it also chronicles the "rebound" of the culture. Many prominent Wampanoags have made great contributions to Martha's Vineyard in a variety of ways. The future looks very promising for these natives.
-Carl