"King Philip" can refer to different historical figures, but the most notable one in American history is King Philip (Metacom), the chief of the Wampanoag tribe in the 17th century. He is best known for leading King Philip's War (1675-1676) against English colonists in New England. This conflict was one of the bloodiest wars per capita in American history and stemmed from rising tensions over land, resources, and increasing colonial encroachment on Native territories.
Metacom was the son of Massasoit, the Wampanoag chief who famously formed an alliance with the Pilgrims. Initially, he sought to maintain peace with the colonists but ultimately resorted to armed resistance as Native American territories were increasingly threatened.
The war caused widespread devastation and led to significant loss of life on both sides. King Philip himself was killed in 1676, and his death marked the end of organized Native American resistance in southeastern New England. His legacy is complex, as he is viewed both as a cultural hero by some Native Americans and as a violent antagonist by colonial settlers.