What's In A Name?
MASSACRE VALLEY

Massacre Valley is the name given to the low-lying land just east of Fort Hill, where the Montaukett Indians built their palisades; Signal Hill, where the Montauk Manor is perched, lies to the north. The valley saw the last blood shed in battle in Montauk.

The Montauketts had a warring history with the Narragansett tribe of Rhode Island. In August of 1653, Ninigret, sachem of the Narragansetts, led a surprise raiding party on the Montauketts as they celebrated the marriage of the daughter of their sachem, Wyandanch.

The young woman, Quashawam, also called Momone or Heather Flower, was one of several captured by the Narragansetts that night. Legend has it that she watched in horror as her new husband was massacred, along with two sachems and about 30 warriors.

Quashawam was held for ransom. Wyandanch, who in the same year become the leader of all the tribes on Long Island following the death of his eldest brother, Poggatacut, sent untold sums of wampum, shell money, to Ninigret in an effort to gain his daughter's return.

The captivity continued at least into September. Meanwhile, Wyandanch was also sending money to Uncas, head of the Mohegans, who had offered to attack Ninigret in return for a sizable amount.

The Englishman Lion Gardiner, who had forged a strong friendship with Wyandanch, was the chief instrument, however, in bringing about the release of Quashawam. Gardiner paid the additional ransom that was demanded.

In 1659, as a sign of his gratitude, Wyandanch gave Gardiner much of the land that is now Smithtown. The Montaukett sachem died not long after, and was succeeded by his son Wyancombone.

Quashawam's second husband was a Pequot chief. They had a son who was named Wyandance.

M.N.