The Map above is from the Cumberland County Library Site, where they have done an online publication of:
Of
Cumberland County
(Adobe Version ) (Web Version)
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Spectacular Site!!! For the Lenni-Lenape side of the story be sure to visit and read THE LENNI-LENAPE AND THE "RED RECORD"Note: There is some serious doubt as to the truth behind "The Walum Olum", but I find it a fascinating story and an excellent example of Creation Myth. Follow this link to a discussion of the history of the story and some good links, regarding it. The Cedar Mesa Project Is it true or not? |
When the Europeans arrived here the indigenous people living in the area were members of the Lenni-Lenape Tribe.
The Lenni-Lenape were divided into three groups: the Wolf, Turtle, and Turkey clans, which was determined at birth from the maternal side. The Wolf Clan claimed the land in North Jersey and southern New York. The Turtle Clan controlled Central Jersey between the Raritan and Mullica rivers and eastern Pennsylvania. The Turkey Clan had all of New Jersey below the Mullica River and northeast Delaware.
They traveled with the seasons*, making full use of the area resources. During the spring the planted gardens around their permanent settlements. In the summer, they went to the shore to catch oysters and clams and stay cool. In the fall, they would move back to their village and harvest their crops. In the winter, they hunted deer and other animals.
The early Quaker settlers in New Jersey "bought" the land from the Lenni-Lenape. -- It is not likely that they understood the concept, but still, at least for their time. They treated the natives much more humanly then most. The population was decimated by disease and culture clashes.
By 1758, there were only a couple hundred Lenape. Again, New Jersey (in their opinion) at least made an attempt to do the right thing and created the first Indian Reservation at Brotherton. Rev. John Brainerd, a dedicated Indian missionary was in charge of supervising the reservation. Brainerd left in 1774 and the decline continued.
In 1796, the tribe in New Stockbridge, NY, invited the Brotherton tribe to come spread their mats at our fire.
In 1801, the NJ legislature agreed to sell the reservation and give the proceeds to the remaining tribe members, fewer then 85. They went to New York and then later some to Canada and some to Wisconsin and some to Oklahoma and here some there...
* There is new research showing that they did not travel seasonally. Paul Boyd recently wrote to me regarding his research and I hope to post information soon. Although this news might break my heart over my love of the book "Dickon Among the Indians." I am always open to new possibilities and look forward to hearing more from Paul.
