Mohegan refers to a Native American people who have lived in what is now Connecticut for thousands of years. The Mohegan Nation still exists today, with tribal headquarters in Uncasville, Connecticut.

The Mohegan were skilled farmers, hunters, and fishermen who lived along the Thames River. They grew corn, beans, and squash, built sturdy homes called wigwams, and traveled by birchbark canoe. The name “Mohegan” comes from their own language and means “wolf people.”

In the 1600s, when English colonists arrived, the Mohegan formed important alliances that shaped early American history. A famous Mohegan leader named Uncas helped maintain peace between his people and the colonists during difficult times. Another notable Mohegan, Samson Occom, became one of the first Native American Christian ministers and helped found Dartmouth College.

Today, about 2,400 enrolled members belong to the Mohegan Tribe, which operates cultural programs, language preservation efforts, and educational initiatives. The tribe works to keep Mohegan traditions, stories, and language alive for future generations. Many Mohegan children learn about their ancestors' way of life, traditional crafts, and the Mohegan language, ensuring their heritage continues.