Hitting the Jackpot

Author Brett Fromson talked about his book, Hitting the Jackpot: The Inside Story of the Richest Indian Tribe in History, published by Atlantic Monthly Press. The book tells the story of the Pequot Indian tribe and its creation of Foxwoods, Connecticut’s first gambling casino. After over 400 members of their tribe were killed in a battle with European settlers in the late 17th century, the Pequot Indians remained near-dormant until 1973. That was the year that the last Pequot descendant living on the reservation died, leaving her grandson in charge of the land. The ensuing legal battle over property rights initiated the reformation of the Pequot tribe and the creation of Foxwoods. After his presentation Mr. Fromson answered audience members' questions. close