Hockomock Swamp

The Hockomock Swamp is a vast wetland encompassing much of the northern part of southeastern Massachusetts. This convert|6000|acre|km2|0|sing=on land is considered the second largest wetland in the state. It acts as a natural flood control mechanism for the region.

History

Centuries ago, the Hockomock Swamp played as a major role for such native inhabitants of the region such as the Wampanoag. It was used as a fortress by the natives against invasion of early white settlers in Colonial America. It significantly played a role in King Philip's War as a strategic base of operations for Metacomet, also known as "King Philip," to launch Indian assaults upon nearby settlements in the region.

During the 18th and 19th century, early Anglo-Saxon settlers in the local region felt that the swamp was worthless barren land that could be converted into profitable farmland. This was made aware to the surrounding communities by Benjamin Drake of Easton and also later William L. Chaffin.

However, the native inhabitants of the region didn't feel the same way as did early colonial settlers. For centuries, these Indians greatly relied on hunting game from the swamp, all so much that they worshipped its presence in the area. They named it Hockomock Swamp meaning "Place Where Spirits Dwell;" therefore embracing its resources and fearing superstitions and stories that become associated with the swamp over time.

There are many stories, myths, and local legends that became associated with this massive swamp. In modern times, it has remained a place of mystery, fear, and stories. It does to this day distill a sense of frightfulness and uneasiness with individuals of a curious nature. Ever so more, believers of the swamp's "spirits", "superstitious nature", and "paranormal phenomena", came to nicknaming the swamp and all its content as the "Bridgewater Triangle."

ee also

*Bridgewater
*Bristol County (MA)
*Easton
*North Taunton
*Norton
*Raynham
*Taunton
*Taunton River Watershed
*West Bridgewater

External links

* [http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2005/10/30/tales_from_the_swamp/ Boston Globe -- Tales from the swamp]
* [http://www.glooskapandthefrog.org/hock.htm Hockomock Wonder Wetland]
* [http://www.mass.gov/dcr/stewardship/acec/acecs/l-hcksmp.htm Mass.gov -- ACEC Designations -- Hockomock Swamp]
* [http://www.peer.org/campaigns/landuse/hockomock/index.php Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility]
* [http://www.revelation13.net/swamp.html Revelation 13: ...]
* [http://members.aol.com/soccorro64/btriangle.htm The "Bridgewater Triangle"]