In later years, the increase of voracious, marauding colonists caused a strain between the Wampanoag and settlers. In 1675, Metacomet, son of Massasoit, spearheaded an alliance of New England Tribes against the colonists. Known as King Phillip by the English, Metacomet fought against seizure of Indian Territory and attacks on personal liberties. The King Phillips War lasted two years, causing the deaths of 600 settlers and 3000 Indians. The wars, disease and encroachment began the demise of the Wampanoag. Although King Gorge III of England later deeded the land to its original inhabitants, the British government would continue to ignore the people who saved the colonists.

          Providing their people with a means of survival, leaders and Supreme Sachems such as Squanto, Massasoit, and Metacomet not only influenced history, but also provided the Wampanoag people with the means to preserve their identity. Today the Mashpee (whose name evolved from the aboriginal name Massippe, meaning “Land of the Great Cove”) have the largest native population in Massachusetts. While still holding on to traditional Indian spiritual customs, the Tribe came to accept Christianity as a new form of spirituality. The Mashpee are known as the “Praying Indians” because of their religious tolerance.