By: Jason Gerber

Before the arrival of European settlers in the 1600s, Rockland County was home to the Munsee-speaking Delaware tribe, part of the larger Lenape group. These indigenous people played a crucial role in shaping the early development of the area through their advanced agricultural techniques, cultural practices, and extensive trade networks. 

Beverly Schultz Csordas, in her book THE OLDEN DAYS: My Mother’s Family History 1594 – 1997, sheds light on the influence the Munsee Delaware people had on Rockland County and how their presence left a mark on the region.

A Rich Indigenous History

The Munsee-speaking Delaware people were skilled farmers, hunters, and fishers, living in harmony with the natural resources surrounding the Hudson River. The Munsee inhabited wigwams, longhouses constructed from bent saplings covered with bark, according to Csordas. 

Their diet consisted of fish, game, and crops such as corn, beans, and squash. Their ability to cultivate these staple crops laid the foundation for a thriving community, even before the European settlers arrived.

What set the Munsee Delaware apart was their deep respect for the land. Csordas notes how they viewed land as a communal resource, something to be shared by all, unlike the European concept of land as a private property to be bought and sold. This fundamental difference in worldview would later lead to misunderstandings and conflicts as European settlers moved into the area.

Early Interactions with European Settlers

When Henry Hudson sailed up the river in 1609, he encountered the indigenous people, marking the beginning of European exploration in the region. The Munsee tribe, like many other indigenous groups, were initially cautious of the Europeans. As Beverly Csordas recounts, Hudson’s men distrusted the natives from the start, which led to skirmishes and tension between the two groups. This unease only grew as more settlers arrived.

By the mid-1600s, Dutch settlers, along with a few French Huguenots and Quakers, began establishing permanent settlements in what is now Rockland County. Their arrival brought not only new technologies and farming practices but also disease, which tragically decimated the Munsee population. Smallpox, in particular, had devastating effects, leading to a significant decline in the indigenous population by the early 1700s.

Perspectives on Land and Resource Sharing

One of the areas of differing perspectives between the Munsee people and European settlers was their approach to land use. As Csordas notes, the Munsee viewed payment for land as a mutual agreement to share its resources, while European settlers saw it as establishing exclusive ownership. These differing perspectives sometimes led to misunderstandings regarding land rights and usage.

Nonetheless, the Munsee’s contributions to the region’s development are evident. Many of the trails originally used by the Munsee to navigate the area’s landscape became the basis for Rockland County’s modern roads, reflecting the lasting influence of the Munsee on the region’s infrastructure.

A Legacy That Endures

Though their population was diminished and their presence in Rockland County waned as European settlers took over; the Munsee Delaware left a lasting legacy. Their contributions to the region’s agricultural practices, their respect for the environment, and their intricate trade routes all played a role in shaping the early development of Rockland County.

Beverly Schultz Csordas’ THE OLDEN DAYS not only offers a detailed history of her family but also the complex interactions between the early settlers and the indigenous peoples of the region. 

By understanding the Munsee Delaware’s way of life and their influence on early Rockland County, readers can gain a deeper appreciation of the land’s history and the people who first called it home. 

Conclusion

For those interested in exploring more about Rockland County’s rich history, including its early inhabitants and the role they played in shaping the land, Beverly Schultz Csordas’ book, THE OLDEN DAYS: My Mother’s Family History 1594 – 1997, offers an insightful and personal journey through time.

Published by: Khy Talara