APRIL 21, 1676

KING PHILIP’S WAR–THE ATTACK ON SUDBURY, MASSACHUSETTS

Kings Philip’s War (1675-76) was the bloodiest settler-Indian conflict in American history as measured by the percentage of the male population killed or wounded.  In March 1676, Indian warriors decided to attack settlements near Boston.  By April 20, warriors were on the outskirts of Sudbury whose defense depended upon local militia and its six “garrison” houses.  Early on April 21, the Indians attacked the garrison houses, besieging their primary target, the Haynes Garrison house.  However, the siege at Haynes Garrison house ended in the early afternoon when the Indians withdrew in order to ambush two militia columns coming from Marlboro to assist Sudbury.  By morning, the Indians had withdrawn to the west.  The Sudbury Fight was a tactical victory for King Philip.  His warriors conducted 3 ambushes killing 52 militia and destroying much of Sudbury west of the river.  Indian losses may have been four to six.  Oddly, King Philip never resumed the offensive.  The war was over by the end of the year.  

Source:  Mark Stoler, “The Sudbury Fight,” Things Have Changed, 4/21/2016.  Retrieved 6/28/2019, https://havechanged.blogspot.com/2016/04/the-sudbury-fight.html
Graphic:  Author unknown, early-to-mid 1800s.  Wood Engraving likely the attack on the Haynes Garrison.  Public Domain in U.S.:  Pre 1/1/1925.  Public Domain elsewhere where copyright term is author’s life plus 100 years or less.