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King Philips War began in 1675 between the indigenous people of this continent and the English. Tribes including the Abnaki, Narragansets, Mohawks, Nashaways and Wamanaogs, all led by Metacomet or "King Philip" battled fiercely for about a year. Dunstable was considered to be 'the front line' of the war. Lancaster, Groton and Chelmsford Massachusetts Bay colonies were devastated. All the English settlers but Edward Tyng retreated south for safe haven. He petitioned the Massachusetts bay colony in February of 1676 for aid stating that he alone lived, "in the uppermost house on the Merrimac River, lying open to ye enemy, yet being so seated that it is, as it were, a watch-house to the neighboring towns."
Tyng fortified his home and helped with other garrison houses. These garrison houses, built as fortresses, were used by settlers when attack was on the way. The colony kept several men on duty at all the garrisons for protection. One famous Garrison House, referenced sometimes as 'The Queens Garrison', was located at Salmon Brook. This is how the name 'The Harbor' developed. It was considered "safe harbor" for those in danger.
The Abnaki traveled back to their northern tribe lands in 1676 after successfully scaring the English settlers south. As soon as the announcement of safety occurred, the English settlers moved back to regain the land they had originally undertook in the township.
The Dunstable Massachusetts Bay colony settlement was quiet from war for many years. However, settlers were always fearful since random attacks by various tribes were a constant threat. However, the English people continued to colonize the area.
A meetinghouse was built near Spit Brook Road in 1685. Before its construction, township affairs took place in the homes of such leading men as Jonathan Tyng, John Bowers and Thomas Lund. The first town meeting is recorded to have taken place in the home of the Wheelers in 1674. At this point in history, discussion mostly included petitioning the colony to appropriate money to aid in the ongoing war with the unfriendly indigenous people. With funding approved, they fortified existing homes, built more garrisons and supplied the men and troops which were brave enough to stay in Dunstable during this tumultuous time.
War was declared again in Dunstable in 1691. The Abnakis had been attacking neighboring settlements for some time when on the night of September 2, 1691 two adults and two children were slain in northern Dunstable in the area now known as Merrimack. The Hassell Family Massacre is the name given to this attack during King Williams War.
Bounties were placed for Indian scalps in September of 1694 at 50 pounds each. Next June the bounty was reduced to 25 pounds and by December of 1696 the bounty was repealed altogether.
Another famous story from this area during King Williams War is the story of Hannah Duston. Hannah Duston, originally Durston, and sometimes referred to as Hannah Dustin, lived in the Haverhill Massachusetts Bay Colony. On March 15, 1697, a large assemblage of Indians entered the town massacring up to 39 people and burning at least six houses. Hannah Duston, along with Mrs. Neff and a boy named Leonardson, were captives and taken north as prisoners.
Fifteen days later, twelve Indians lay sleeping while the three crept over their still bodies waiting for the precise moment to free themselves. She and her cohorts took upon the role of the savage heart itself, bashing their captors with their own hatchet weapons and fleeing to the river to paddle south for refuge.
That night, they had made it as far south as the Salmon Brook inlet off the Merrimack to our township of Dunstable. Hannah Duston stayed in the home of John Lovewell.
Map to the Hannah Dustin / John Lovewell Landmark
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Many monuments have been built in her honor. The largest one is located in Boscowan, New Hampshire and stands twenty-five feet tall! This monument is the first permanent statue in United States history to be created, dedicated and celebrated in honor of a woman.
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