Monument to Miantonomo – Norwich, Connecticut - Atlas Obscura

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Monument to Miantonomo

The site where chief Miantonomo of the Narraganset people was captured. 

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It’s said that Miantonomo, chief of the Narraganset people, fled on foot from his enemies during a conflict that eventually turned into a war between the Narraganset and Mohegans.

In his attempt to escape, it’s rumored that he was cornered at the top of a cliff by Yantic Falls. He leaped over the falls and miraculously made it to the other side, but suffered a broken leg. The folk tale diverges here. Some stories say that Uncas (the Mohegan chasing him) also leaped over the gorge. Others say he found some other way to cross.

However, with a broken leg, Miantonomo couldn’t go on. When Uncas caught up to him, he found the chief hiding behind some rocks in Norwich, Connecticut, now the location of this monument. 

After his capture, he was brought to Hartford to stand trial because he had also conspired to form an alliance against the English. However, the people didn’t want to deal with the politics of having inflicted capital punishment on the Narraganset tribe. He was turned over to the Mohegans, who executed the chief. 

Know Before You Go

Easy to miss. As you turn onto Elijah St, look for a bunch of rocks between houses on your left. The monument will be there. On-street parking is available.

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December 22, 2020

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