Norwich bulletin., 1917-02-24
REPORT ON OLD NlPMUC TRAIL
Committee Recommends Change of Name Mohegan Trail Lengthy Review Presented Meeting of Eastern Con necticut Chamber of Commerce

leadership and wisdom of their sachem Uncas-the white mans friend''--how he defeated both his old time enemies, Sassacus of the Pequots and Mfantp- homo of the Narragansetts.
 Fourth-There is today more in the way Of tangible evidence of the greatness of the Mohegan Indians than midway along the proposed trail in the city of Norwich rests the remains of all that is mortal of Uncas, sachem of the Mohegans. as we'll as those of his hated rival, Miantonomo, sachem of the Narragansetts, both their graves being suitably marked by granite shafts erected by willing and tender hands. to PerPetuate their Miantonomo rests upon the battlefield where he was captured and slain and which bears to this day the name of Sachem Plains.
 old Mohegan cemetery on what is called Uncas street, fully a mile away In the same enclosure with Uncas lies the remains of his nephew, Samson at the age of 20, grown up in the pa gan faith, unable to read or write, be- came converted and began the study of the English language, mastering not |aonIy English but Latin, Greek and paid some attention to Hebrew. He became a religious teacher of the Mon tauk Indians, going abroad with Rev. Nathaniel Whitaker of Norwich to so- licit contributions. From February, I766, to July, 1767, he delivered be- tween 300 and 400 sermons, the King of England giving, at the earnest so- licitation of the Earl of Dartmouth two hundred pounds, and in the whole enterprise seven thousand pounds were raised, three thousand being collected in Scotland. The success of this at tempt resulted in transferring Nhao -1r T,,<7 no cum received much of his training, from Lebanon Green to New Hamp- shire, which it was thought would be better place for an Indian seminary than the more thickly settled colony of Connecticut It was there incor- porate6 as Dartmouth college, by which name it still exists.
 Noted for Rare Beauty.
 Fifth-AIohegan park. located with in the city limits, comprises some 375 acres of land, is noted for its rare scenic beauties. In it's center is the lake, over a mile in circumference, bearing the proud name Mohegan.
 Sixth-Mohegan turnpike: The rc&n leading from Norwich to New London, was laid out as early as 1870, but was 1192 it was made a turnpike, the firrt in the United States, the funds for iu; improvement being raised by lottery, granted for the purpose by the legiSia- ture. Along this turnpike midway be- tween Norwich and New LGGdon is located the Indian village of Mohegan the home of Uncas and his Indian tribe. Here is to be seen the remaif1ss of the old Indian fort. Here dwells the remnant of this once powerful tribe A few families stiH remain. Here is to be seen the Mohegan church, where services are being con- ducted every Sabbath. A fund was established in 1891 for promoting the civilization of the Indians. The land On which the chapel was built was given by two Mohegan females, Gym thia Hoscoat and Lucy Tee-Comme- waw.
 Seventh-Other points of interest for tourists who journey over the Mohe- gan trail are the following: The Falls at Norwich. The Falls at Norwich, in the Tan tic river, appear to have been the ia vorite resort of the Mohegans. This picturesque spot, says tradition is where Miantonomo leaped some 30 feet across the gorge, 150 feet in depth when pursued by Uncas and his fol- lowers after the battle at East Great Plain. Tradition further relates that ono of his legs was broken in making mf.e farther before being captured, under great pain and suffering.
 The Falls are now referred to as Uncas Leap East Great Plain, on the
 
 wfch, is the spot where Uncas chose to give battle to Miantonomo when he led his followers into the Eohegan territory, with the result that the Mar ragansetts were nearly exterminated
 This report would not be complete without reference ito that intrepid sol- dier. Capt. John Mason, whose last resting place is just north of Norwich Town Green, near Bean Hill, on the west side of the highway leading tow ards Wil1imantic. On a knoll is an impressive granite shaft bearing this inscription:
 spot on Mason Hill in 1776 in honor Of Capt. John Mason.
 The monument also has inscribed upon it's sides the names of the old hood, viz, the Huntingtons, CauIlxins, Hydes, Tracys, Rogers and others Guardian of Moheeans.
 Mason was guardian of the Mohe- robbed of their lands by dishonest white settlers.
 Mason will be remembered as one who led small band of English set tiers against Sassacus. the sachem of the Pequots. attacking them within their fort at the head of the Mystic river. killing some 400 of their braves. together with women and children thus practically forever putting an end to that eyer-preSent menace to the safety and peace of the early white settlers of eastern Connecticut. Sassa- GUS escaped and made his way to the Mohawk country, where he was later murdered.
 Lastly: It is most fitting in this con- nection that the meeting today is being held in New London, the south ern terminus of the proposed trail. in
 (continued on Page f3, Fourth col.)