The Great Swamp Fight was a significant battle during King Philip's War, a conflict between English settlers in New England and the Native American tribes, notably led by Metacom, or King Philip. By December 1675, tensions had escalated as English colonists, fearing the consolidation of Native American power, aimed to strike against Metacom's alliance, particularly the Narragansett tribe. The English forces, composed of colonial militias and Indigenous allies, launched their assault in an attempt to eliminate this threat.

Set in the cold winter months on the 19th of December, the battle occurred in the swampy territory of Rhode Island. The English were hindered by the frigid weather and difficult terrain, but they pressed on. They engaged in fierce combat with the Narragansett, who were well-prepared for the harsh environment. Despite their initial advantage, the English faced significant opposition, leading to a high casualty rate on both sides. Reports indicate that the Native forces fortified behind timber and earthworks, providing a stout defense.

The aftermath of the Great Swamp Fight was marked by heavy casualties, with many Narragansett warriors killed or captured. The English settlers' victory, though hard-won, did not come without cost. Many soldiers from both sides perished, and the battle exacerbated the cycle of violence and retaliation that characterized the war. In the days following, the English sought to exploit their victory, but the struggle for control over the territory continued to be fiercely contested.