Buzzards Bay in Barnstable County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)

Comassakumakanit

By Bryan Simmons, July 2012

1. Comassakumakanit Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Long before the first European settlements in the Herring River Valley, a band of Wampanoag Indians lived in this area. The seasonal village called Comassakumakanit, stood beside Megansett Waye, an important trading path linking Cape and the mainland. When the river was dredged to create the canal, logs were found in the streambed, marking the old crossing of Megansett Waye.

Arrowheads found during construction of this trail indicate that the Wampanoag hunted dear and small game in this hilly area. In addition the Indians relied upon the nearby Herring Run as a direct source of food and to fertilize their crop of corn and beans - a practice later adapted by Pilgrim farmers.

Staghorn Sumac, the low tree surrounding you, provided a refreshing drink made from its red berries, only one of the many fruits important to the Indian diet.

Erected by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Native Americans • Settlements & Settlers.

Location. 41° 46.321′ N,

By Bryan Simmons, July 2012

2. Comassakumakanit Marker

70° 33.779′ W. Marker is in Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts, in Barnstable County. Marker can be reached from Scenic Highway (U.S. 6), on the right when traveling north. Marker is located in the Herring Run Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Buzzards Bay MA 02532, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Bournedale's Yesterdays (a few steps from this marker); Still on Patrol (approx. ¼ mile away); Cape Cod Canal (approx. half a mile away); August Belmont (approx. half a mile away); William Barclay Parsons (approx. half a mile away); Monica Dickens Stratton (approx. half a mile away); Edmund Freeman Saddle & Pillion Burial Ground (approx. 2.3 miles away); Sagamore Hill Trail (approx. 2.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Buzzards Bay.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 15, 2012, by Bryan Simmons of Attleboro, Massachusetts. This page has been viewed 597 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 15, 2012, by Bryan Simmons of Attleboro, Massachusetts. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.