The very first individuals to reside on the land now referred to as Nj-new Jersey were the Delaware Indians.

They lived here starting at least 10,000 years ago. Anywhere from 8,000 to 20,000 Delaware Indians lived in the region when the first Europeans showed up. Their name signifies “original people” or “genuine people.” They spoke an Algonquian dialect.

Though they were regarded as one tribe, the Delaware Indians did not behave as one unified group. Rather, they lived in small communities made up mainly of extended family members. The males would hunt or fish throughout the day. Based on the season they could search for clams off the Jersey shore or hunt in the woods. The women worked in the gardens. They grew squash, beans, sweet potatoes, and corn.

When the initial explorers came, the Delaware Indians resided in areas of Delaware, New Jersey, and eastern Pennsylvania. Europeans called them the Delaware Indians.

Charles Cunningham, ND

Amwell Health Center
Hillsborough, New Jersey   08540
Phone: 908-359-1775
Email: inle-naturopathy@att.net
Web: www.doctorcunningham.com