Smallpox in New EnglandEarly native New Englanders first felt the effects of smallpox and other diseases during the first decade of the 16th century. This was shortly after John Cabot explored the coast in 1498. By 1504, the French and Portuguese were on constant fishing trips, which triggered the spread of disease. However, it was not until the epidemics of 1616 and 1617, when large numbers of natives were killed. Diseases like chicken pox, cholera, plague, tuberculosis, and many others were first introduced to New England. Most Europeans have become immune to these diseases over the years. The natives, on the other hand, were completely vulnerable.¹Native Americans were quite susceptible to contracting the disease, but they were not the only victims. Twenty people died on the Mayflower from smallpox. There was an outbreak of smallpox in Plymouth Colony around 1633. Twenty people died, including their only doctor. This was the beginning of the colonial fight against disease. Smallpox became the most destructive disease in New England in 1633. From then on, smallpox continued to plague New England. Captain John Oldham was considered the first Englishman to conduct explorations along the Connecticut River. After his journey north, there was a serious outbreak of smallpox. Many natives held him responsible for the thousands of deaths that spread from Maine to New York and into Quebec. The truth is that Henry Hudson and his followers had already begun to spread the disease to New England from above, into Canada. Quebec was founded in 1608. The French found an opportunity to trade in neighboring Ontario with the Hurons and Iroquois. This interaction led to a smallpox epidemic in the region between 1634 and 1640.²In 1636, the Jesuits supplied Huron, Abenaki, and St. Lawrence tribes..