Susquehannock Tribe of the Northeast
The Susquehannock people, also known as the Conestoga by the English colonists, were a prominent Iroquoian-speaking tribe that once thrived along the Susquehanna River and its tributaries. Their territory stretched from the northern reaches of the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland, across Pennsylvania, and into southern New York. Archaeological evidence suggests their presence even extended into northern West Virginia.
Origins and Identity
The name "Susquehannock" is believed to originate from an Algonquin term meaning "people of the Muddy River." This name reflects their close relationship with the Susquehanna River, which served as a vital resource and transportation route. The Susquehannock were not a single, monolithic tribe but rather a confederacy of up to 20 smaller tribes. These groups established fortified villages along the Susquehanna River, creating a network of interconnected communities.
Trade and Subsistence
The Susquehannock were active traders, engaging in commerce with neighboring tribes. They traded with groups along the Erie River in northern Ohio, as well as the Huron and Neutral peoples of southern Ontario, Canada. These trade networks facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultural practices.
Like other Iroquoian tribes, the Susquehannock practiced agriculture, cultivating maize (corn), beans, and squash during the spring months. These crops formed the foundation of their diet and provided sustenance for their communities. In the summer, many Susquehannock temporarily migrated south to the Chesapeake Bay to fish and gather shellfish. This seasonal migration allowed them to supplement their agricultural produce with valuable marine resources. In the fall, they returned to their villages to harvest their crops and engage in hunting, ensuring a diverse and sustainable food supply.
Independent and Warlike
Prior to the 17th century, the Susquehannock maintained their independence and did not align themselves with any major confederacy. They were known for their fierce independence, heroic spirit, and aggressive nature. Historical accounts describe them as warlike and imperialistic, often engaging in conflicts with neighboring tribes.
For many years before the arrival of Europeans, the Susquehannock were bitter enemies of the Iroquois Confederacy. They also engaged in warfare with the Mahican tribe from the central Hudson Valley. Susquehannock war parties frequently raided Lenape tribes along the Delaware River, asserting their dominance in the region. They also ventured down the Susquehanna River to raid the Nanticoke, Conoy, and Powhatan tribes living on the Chesapeake Bay.
Early European Contact
The Susquehannock’s first documented contact with Europeans occurred in 1608 when Captain John Smith, representing the Jamestown colony in Virginia, explored the northern end of Chesapeake Bay. This initial encounter was amicable, but Smith remained cautious due to the Susquehannock’s reputation as a warlike people. Smith was particularly struck by their imposing stature, deep voices, and diverse weaponry, describing them as giants.
Alliance and Conflict
In the early 17th century, Dutch and Swedish traders entered the region, establishing trade relationships and alliances with the Susquehannock. By 1640, the Susquehannock had gained a monopoly on European firearms, significantly enhancing their military power. Notably, they strategically avoided trading firearms to the Iroquois or Lenape tribes, maintaining their advantage.
In 1642, the English Province of Maryland declared war on the Susquehannock. However, with the assistance of the Swedes, the Susquehannock successfully defeated the English in 1644. Despite this victory, tensions between the tribe and the Maryland colonists persisted. In 1652, a peace treaty was finally signed, granting the Susquehannock arms and security on their southern flank. In return, the tribe ceded large territories on both shores of the Chesapeake Bay to Maryland.
This decision was partly motivated by the growing threat posed by the Iroquois Confederacy, which sought to expand its hunting grounds for the lucrative fur trade. With the support of Maryland’s firearms, the Susquehannock managed to fend off the Iroquois, leading to a brief period of peace.
Renewed Warfare and Decline
The respite from conflict proved short-lived. By 1658, the Susquehannock were once again at war with the powerful Iroquois Confederacy. In 1661, the Maryland colonists and the Susquehannock strengthened their alliance, uniting against the common enemy. Over the next several years, the Susquehannock successfully repelled numerous attacks by Seneca, Cayuga, and Onondaga warriors from the western Iroquois tribes.
The Susquehannock reached the zenith of their power in the early 1670s. However, their dominance began to wane due to a combination of factors, including infectious diseases and relentless warfare. Severely weakened by these losses, the Susquehannock were eventually overwhelmed by their long-standing adversaries, the Iroquois Confederacy, by 1678.
Dispersal and Assimilation
Following their defeat, the Susquehannock dispersed into various regions. Small groups fled westward into Pennsylvania and Ohio, seeking refuge among the Shawnee tribe. Others migrated to New York, joining the Seneca and Onondaga, who had a tradition of adopting defeated enemies into their tribes. Still others scattered, integrating into various other tribes and communities.
Legacy
The Susquehannock tribe, despite their eventual dispersal, left a lasting legacy in the Northeast. Their history is a testament to their resilience, adaptability, and military prowess. Their interactions with European colonists, their involvement in regional conflicts, and their eventual assimilation into other tribes all contributed to the complex tapestry of Native American history. The Susquehannock’s story serves as a reminder of the profound changes that swept through the Northeast during the colonial era, transforming the lives and cultures of its indigenous inhabitants.