Tisquantum (Squanto)

Hello! My name is Tisquantum, but many of my friends call me Squanto. I am part of the Patuxet people. I grew up near the ocean in a village called Patuxet. Today, that place is called Plymouth, Massachusetts. I loved my home. I learned how to fish in the sparkling water, find berries in the forest, and listen to the songs of the birds.

One day, around the year 1614, I went on a very long trip across the big, wide ocean. It was a little scary, but I learned many new things. I traveled to a country called England. There, I even learned to speak a new language called English! After a few years, in 1619, I finally made the long journey back to my home. I was so happy to see the tall trees and smell the salty air of my land again.

When I came back, I found new people living here. They had arrived on a big ship called the Mayflower in 1620. We call them the Pilgrims. They were not used to this land and were very hungry. They did not know how to grow food here. Because I could speak their language, I could talk to them! I decided to help my new neighbors. I showed them a special trick. I taught them how to plant corn seeds with a little fish to help the corn grow big and strong.

The Pilgrims' first corn crop was wonderful! To celebrate, we all had a big feast together in the autumn of 1621. We shared food and friendship. I spent the rest of my life helping my people and the new settlers understand each other. I lived a full life, and I am happy that people remember me for being a helper and a friend. It is always a wonderful thing to share what you know to help others.