Little Compton in Newport County, Rhode Island — The American Northeast (New England)
Welcome to Sakonnet
| | Awashonks Garden | |
Photographed by G.W.Bartlett, July 26, 2026
1. Welcome to Sakonnet Marker
Sakonnet is the traditional homeland
of the Sakonnet Wampanoag people.
People have lived at Sakonnet for over 13,000 years. This exhibit shares their story from the end of the last ice age to the present day.
Sakonnet's traditional boundaries stretched from the Sakonnet River east to a small stream, now called Cole Brook, that ran between Sakonnet and the neighboring Wampanoag community of Acoaxet. Pocasset Wampanoag territory sat to the north.
English settlers redefined Sakonnet. In 1620 they declared that Sakonnet was the southwestern corner of their newly established Plymouth Colony. In 1673 the Plymouth Court merged Sakonnet and Acoaxet into a single community. In 1682 English residents chose Little Compton as the new name for Sakonnet and Acoaxet. Since then, these two Native communities have been part of three colonies, two states, and three towns.
Erected 2025 by Little Compton Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Indigenous Peoples and Communities.
Location. 41° 29.592′ N,
this page online
Regionally, this marker is on Rhode Island’s Narragansett Bay. It is also in the American Northeast, in New England, and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Honoring Awashonks (here, next to this marker); Three Sisters: A Symbiotic Garden (here, next to this marker); Fal Solomon: Indentured Here (a few steps from this marker); Distrust for the Newcomers (within shouting distance of this marker);
Photographed by G.W.Bartlett, July 26, 2026
2. Welcome to Sakonnet Marker
Also see . . .
1. "A New History of the Sakonnet Wampanoag People" - Sowams Early History.
New research conducted over the last fifteen years has dramatically changed and broadened the understanding of the history of the Sakonnet Wampanoag People. Staff of the Little Compton Historical Society have been learning from Wampanoag advisors and studying historic documents, the archaeological record, and the Sakonnet landscape to learn more about their history.(Submitted on July 28, 2026, by G.W.Bartlett of Hingham, Massachusetts.)
2. In Little Compton, Reconnecting with Sakonnet Wampanoag History, Community.
Newport Life Magazine article, November 24, 2025: The Little Compton Historical Society has opened a new garden and exhibition with a focus on Indigenous culture, past and present.(Submitted on July 29, 2026, by G.W.Bartlett of Hingham, Massachusetts.)
Photographed by G.W.Bartlett, July 26, 2026
3. Awashonks Garden Entrance
The Garden Entrance, behind the Wilbor House on the Little Compton Historical Society grounds. Welcome to Sakonnet is the first marker along the path, visible to the right of this photo.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 1, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 28, 2026, by G.W.Bartlett of Hingham, Massachusetts. This page has been viewed 9 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 28, 2026, by G.W.Bartlett of Hingham, Massachusetts. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.
