King Philip's War (1675-1678) refers to the conflict between Native Americans versus New England colonists and their native allies. Philip was the English name adopted by Metacomet, the Wampanoag chief or sachem. His father was on friendly terms with the Pilgrims and Metacomet attempted to continue the peace when he succeeded his brother as sachem in 1662. However pressure from the expanding colony and culture clashes caused Metacomet to distrust the colonists.

In 1675 a "Praying Indian" named John Sassamon had warned the colonists of an impeding attack. He was subsequently murdered. A jury that included six tribal elders found three Wampanoag guilty and they were hung. This event plus a demand that the Natives surrender all their weapons exacerbated an already critical situation.

Open warfare broke out on June 20,1675. It was devastating to the New England colony. It's estimated that 1,000 colonists died, one-tenth of men available for the military was lost. The economy was ruined. A dozen towns were destroyed and many more damaged.

But the Native Americans suffered even more. At least three thousand died and their homeland was lost forever. Survivors were enslaved and deported to Bermuda. Those that escaped fled as refugees to western and northern tribes.

Conflict continued for decades in the north (Maine) where natives had the backing of New France. But the Wampanoag and several other tribes were virtually destroyed.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org