Plagues, Pokanokets and Pilgrims in the 17th century

Plagues, Pokanokets and Pilgrims in the 17th century

Before the arrival of Europeans in the Americans in the late 15th century, the Pokanoket people lived in a relatively disease-free environment.Starting in 1616, those same people began to suffer from a series of pandemics that wiped out up to 90% of their numbers. So, how did these infectious diseases first come to New England in the 17th century and what was their effect on both Pokanokets and Pilgrims? This fifteen minute video presentation reviews the worldwide history of pandemics an their effects on shaping 17th century history in New England. See it at https://youtu.be/5HYHVHx3WII

April 2020

Dr. David Weed, Coordinator of the Sowams Heritage Area Project

Warren, RI