The Massachusett were a Native American tribe that lived in the region now known as Massachusetts. They were part of the larger Algonquian language family and primarily inhabited the coastal areas and river valleys. The tribe relied on fishing, hunting, and agriculture for their sustenance, growing crops like corn and beans. In the early 17th century, the Massachusett encountered European settlers, which significantly impacted their way of life. The arrival of the Pilgrims and other colonists led to trade but also to conflicts and diseases that devastated the population. Today, the legacy of the Massachusett is recognized in various cultural and historical contexts.