Little Compton in Newport County, Rhode Island — The American Northeast (New England)
Mishoon
| | Awashonks Garden | |
Photographed by G.W.Bartlett, July 26, 2026
1. Mishoon Marker
Dugout canoes provided Wampanoag people with transportation throughout the Northeast.
Mishoon is the traditional term for dugout canoe in my Wampanoag language. The dugout canoe practice and tradition that existed here for thousands of years was important for my ancestors and other Native peoples. These vessels were as important as any of the vehicles that people use today. All of the waterways would have been our highways. For my ancestors, all travel was either done on foot or by boat. Mishoons ranged in size from 10 feet for use in ponds to 60 feet, with sails, for ocean voyages.
This 16-foot mishoon made from white pine was created here in September of 2024, launched from Squant Rock at Sakonnet Point, and paddled up the river into Sakonnet Harbor.
Jonathan James-Perry, Artist, Aquinnah Wampanoag
B #106
Erected 2025 by Little Compton Historical Society. (Marker Number 106.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Waterways & Vessels.
Location. 41° 29.59′ N, 71° 11.089′ W.
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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: Stone Walls (here, next to this marker); The Sakonnet Diaspora (here, next to this marker); Buying & Selling Acoaxet (a few steps from this marker); Distrust for the Newcomers (a few steps from this marker); Ancient Connections (a few steps from this marker); Squant (a few steps from this marker); Wilbor House (a few steps from this marker); Fal Solomon: Indentured Here
Photographed by G.W.Bartlett, July 26, 2026
2. A Mishoon and the Marker
Also see . . .
1. Awashonks Garden Exhibit #106.
Mishoon. Dugout canoes provided Wampanoag people with transportation throughout the Northeast.(Submitted on July 30, 2026, by G.W.Bartlett of Hingham, Massachusetts.)
2. Mishoon (Boat) - Plimoth-Patuxet Museums.
For Wampanoag families, mishoonash (boats) were invaluable tools for fishing, trading and transportation. The most common style was a dugout made from a single pine, chestnut, or oak tree and shaped using fire, stone axes, and various other scraping tools made from animal bone, shell, and stone.(Submitted on July 30, 2026, by G.W.Bartlett of Hingham, Massachusetts.)
Photographed by G.W.Bartlett, July 26, 2026
3. Awashonks Garden Entrance
Located behind the Wilbor House on the Little Compton Historical Society grounds.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 5, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 30, 2026, by G.W.Bartlett of Hingham, Massachusetts. This page has been viewed 6 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 30, 2026, by G.W.Bartlett of Hingham, Massachusetts. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.
