New Jersey’s rich history is deeply intertwined with the legacy of the Lenape people, the region’s original inhabitants. Among the Lenape, several subtribes played significant roles in the area’s cultural and historical development.
The Munsee: Guardians of Northern New Jersey
The Munsee, a prominent Lenape subtribe, traditionally occupied regions along the upper Delaware River, encompassing parts of present-day New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Renowned for their strategic location, they acted as a buffer between southern Lenape groups and the Iroquois Confederacy. Their council village, Minisink, was likely situated in Sussex County, New Jersey. The Munsee spoke a dialect distinct from other Lenape groups, reflecting their unique cultural identity.
The Unalachtigo: Stewards of Central New Jersey
Occupying the central regions of New Jersey, the Unalachtigo were another vital Lenape subtribe. Their name, believed to mean “people who live near the ocean” or “people who live down by the water,” underscores their connection to the state’s waterways. They spoke a Northern Unami or Southern Unami dialect of Lenape. Over time, pressures from European settlers led many Unalachtigo to relocate, with some joining the Brotherton Reservation in Burlington County, New Jersey’s only Indian reservation.
The Raritan: Inhabitants of the Raritan Watershed
The Raritan people lived around the lower Raritan River and Raritan Bay in northeastern New Jersey during the 16th century. Their name likely derives from Lenape languages, possibly meaning “river beyond the island” or “forked river.” Initially known as the Sanhicans, they faced displacement due to conflicts and Dutch colonial expansion, leading to significant changes in their settlement patterns.
The Rumachenanck: Keepers of the Palisades
The Rumachenanck, also known as the Haverstraw, inhabited areas around the Palisades in New York and New Jersey. As part of the Munsee-speaking Lenape, they engaged in farming, hunting, fishing, and trapping. Their territory included lands that became points of contention during colonial expansions, leading to treaties and land conveyances in the 17th century.
The Brotherton Reservation: A Sanctuary for the Lenape
Established in 1758 in Indian Mills, New Jersey, the Brotherton Reservation was the first and only Indian reservation in the state. It served as a refuge for various Lenape groups, including those displaced from other regions. The reservation became a center for Lenape culture and community until pressures led many to relocate further west in the early 19th century.
Today, the legacy of these tribes is preserved through various initiatives and the efforts of their descendants, ensuring that the rich history of New Jersey’s indigenous peoples continues to be honored and remembered.