King Philip's Cave
The Native American Sachem, Metacomet of Pokonoket, called King Philip by the English, Sachem or chief of the Wampanoag people is reported to have used this area as a stopping place. It provided a natural fortress for his many visits to the settlements of Plimouth and Taunton, both part of the Plimouth colony. Numerous Native American villages have been discovered along Winnecunnit Pond, which were then visible from this natural great hill, as was the Old Bay Path, and all of the surrounding country side.During King Philip's War (1675-1676) after a raid and burning of the settlement of Taunton in June 1675, and nearby homestead of Sgt. William Witherell, Philip and his warriors are believed to have taken refuge here as they withdrew in advance of militia from Plimouth & Taunton under the command of Captain Benjamin Church.
King Philip's Cave is a natural stone formation created by the advance and withdrawal of ice sheets during the last ice age about 13,500 years ago. These glaciers were over a mile thick, and hundreds of miles wide. They carried tons of soil and rock which they deposited throughout this area. The large stones
this page online
King Philip's cave is preserved by the Land Preservation Society of Norton for the education and enjoyment of visitors.
Erected 2007 by Norton Historical Commission.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Wars, US Indian. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1675.
Location. 41° 58.809′ N, 71° 7.865′ W. Marker is in Norton, Massachusetts, in Bristol County. Marker is on Stone Run Drive, in the median. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Norton MA 02766, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Winneccunnett Pond Area (approx. ¾ mile away); The Site of the First House in Norton (approx. ¾ mile away); First Burial Ground (approx. ¾ mile away); The Old Bay Road (approx. 1.8 miles away); Site of First Church in Norton (approx. 3.1 miles away); Norton Common Burial Ground (approx. 4.3 miles away); Mansfield World War I Monument (approx. 5.3 miles away); SPC Corey M. Shea (approx. 5.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Norton.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 29, 2020. It was originally submitted on June 9, 2012, by Bryan Simmons of Attleboro, Massachusetts. This page has been viewed 2,324 times since then and 146 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on June 9, 2012, by Bryan Simmons of Attleboro, Massachusetts. 2, 3. submitted on June 12, 2012, by Bryan Simmons of Attleboro, Massachusetts. 4. submitted on January 28, 2017. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
