Great Leader: Gray Lock of the Western Abenaki

American fascination with celebrity has taken unique turns throughout our history.  One example of this is/was the tendency is a fascination with Native opponents in various "Indian Wars".  The first of many such would be Gray Lock/Wawanolet, a Western Abenaki leader during a conflict known as Dummer's War, sometimes known as Father Rale's War, 1722-1725.

The tribes of the Wabanaki Confederacy, including the Abenaki, Mikmaq, Maliseet, Passamaquoddy and Penobscot, lived in what is now Nova Scotia and portions of New England, including Massachusetts, Maine and Vermont.  At that time, Massachusetts controlled what would later become Maine and Vermont.  The Wabanaki tribes, like many Algonquian-speaking people, allied with the French.  Iroquoian-speaking peoples tended to ally with the English and the various tribes came into repeated conflict in the 17th century over the beaver trade.  As more and more English settlers infiltrated what is now New England and portions of Nova Scotia, they came into increasing conflict with Natives.  The tribes had been missionized by French priests, who often served as liaisons with the government of New France, providing weapons, advice and tacit support. 

During this conflict, Wawanolet emerged as a leader, known to the English by their name for him, Gray Lock.  How or why he got this name remains unknown.  His Native name refers to one who puts others off his track.  He made his presence known in Massachusetts through a series of raids, including settlements at Northfield and Rutland, killing some Settlers and taking others captive.  To combat the threat, Massachusetts authorities erected a fort near what is now Brattleboro, Vermont named Fort Dummer, after the then-acting governor of Massachusetts.  In 1724, Gray Lock struck settlements at Deerfield, Northampton and Westfield.  Captain Benjamin Wright set out with a company of militia, but quickly realized he faced a more powerful opponent and withdrew, Gray Lock's warriors tracking him every step of the way. 

The Abenaki made peace in 1725, but Gray Lock refused to be part of the treaty parley.  For the next two decades, Settlers in Massachusetts would learn of his continued existence through his lightening raids.  He died around 1750.  Mount Greylock in western Massachusetts was named for him.  A monument to him stands in Battery Park, Burlington, Vermont.