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The Brothertown And Stockbridge Indians And The Problem Of Race In Early America: A Historical Narrative

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Published in Red Brethren: The Brothertown And Stockbridge Indians And The Problem Of Race In Early America

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The history of the Brothertown and Stockbridge Indians in early America is a complex and fascinating one. These two Native American tribes were among the first to encounter European settlers, and their experiences provide a unique window into the challenges and opportunities that Native Americans faced during this period.

The Brothertown Indians

Red Brethren: The Brothertown and Stockbridge Indians and the Problem of Race in Early America

by David J. Silverman

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5698 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	296 pages

The Brothertown Indians were a Christianized Algonquian-speaking people who lived in New York and Connecticut. They were originally known as the Quinnipiac Indians, but they adopted the name Brothertown in 1788 after they were forced to move to a new settlement in Wisconsin.

The Brothertown Indians were among the first Native Americans to convert to Christianity. In 1743, a group of Moravian missionaries arrived in Brothertown and began to teach the Indians about the Christian faith. The Indians were receptive to the missionaries' message, and within a few years, most of the tribe had converted to Christianity.

The Brothertown Indians played an important role in the American Revolution. They fought on the side of the colonists against the British, and they provided valuable intelligence and support to the Continental Army. After the war, the Brothertown Indians were granted a large tract of land in Wisconsin, where they established a new settlement.

The Stockbridge Indians

The Stockbridge Indians were an Algonquian-speaking people who lived in Massachusetts and New York. They were closely related to the Brothertown Indians, and they shared many of the same customs and beliefs.

The Stockbridge Indians were also among the first Native Americans to convert to Christianity. In 1736, a group of Stockbridge Indians traveled to Northampton, Massachusetts, to meet with the famous Puritan minister Jonathan Edwards. Edwards preached to the Indians about the Christian faith, and many of them were impressed by his message. The Stockbridge Indians soon began to convert to Christianity, and by the mid-18th century, most of the tribe had adopted the Christian faith.

The Stockbridge Indians also played an important role in the American Revolution. They fought on the side of the colonists against the British, and they provided valuable intelligence and support to the Continental Army. After the war, the Stockbridge Indians were granted a large tract of land in New York, where they established a new settlement.

The Problem of Race

The Brothertown and Stockbridge Indians faced a number of challenges in early America, including the problem of race. European settlers often viewed Native Americans as inferior, and they treated them accordingly. The Indians were often denied their rights, and they were often subjected to violence and discrimination.

The Brothertown and Stockbridge Indians fought against racism in a number of ways. They petitioned the government for equal rights, and they worked to educate the public about the importance of racial equality. They also founded schools and churches, where they taught their children about the Christian faith and the importance of education.

The history of the Brothertown and Stockbridge Indians is a complex and fascinating one. These two Native American tribes faced a number of challenges in early America, including the problem of race. However, they also made important contributions to American society. They fought for equal rights, they promoted education, and they helped to spread the Christian faith. The Brothertown and Stockbridge Indians are an inspiration to us all. They remind us that even in the face of adversity, it is possible to overcome challenges and achieve great things.

Red Brethren: The Brothertown and Stockbridge Indians and the Problem of Race in Early America

by David J. Silverman

5 out of 5