An unprecedented consortium of historic commissions from 4 neighboring towns and 3 tribal historic preservation offices have partnered with the Town and the National Park Service Battlefield Protection Program to conduct a comprehensive study of the extent and context of the 1676 battle that was a turning point in the King Philip’s War. An additional purpose is to engage local officials, landowners and the interested public in effort to locate and encourage the protection of the battlefield. Public events regularly attract 100+ attendees, which demonstrate substantial public interest in the project. The initial research has laid the groundwork for a longer term battlefield archeology project that is underway. national historic register designation, and cultural tourism. Archeological investigations in Montague, Gill, and Greenfield will be ongoing through August 2018.
The project stems from a 2004 reconcilliation ceremony between the Montague Board of Selectmen and several tribal dignitaries to commence a healing process that involves an exchange of actions to promote understanding aboutand between cultures.
