Poospatuck
Poospatuck, also known as the Uncachogue or Unkechaug, is one of the thirteen Indigenous nations historically inhabiting Long Island, New York, and is part of the Algonquian language group. This community, which resides primarily on the Poospatuck Reservation along the Forge River, has a population of approximately 619 as of the 2022 American Community Survey. The Poospatuck, along with other nations, were part of the Montauk Confederacy, which historically governed most of Long Island.
Traditionally, the Poospatuck lived in permanent villages and relied on a diverse diet that included fish, seafood, maize, beans, and pumpkins, often prepared in clay pots. They are also known for their craftsmanship in woven fabrics and leather goods. Although they faced significant challenges following military conflicts in the seventeenth century, including the impact of the Pequot and Narragansett attacks, the Poospatuck have maintained their cultural identity and traditions.
Despite being recognized by the state of New York, the Poospatuck have not received federal recognition as a sovereign Indigenous nation. Their reservation is one of only two in Suffolk County, marking it as a significant site of cultural heritage, albeit the smallest in the state. The ongoing efforts of the Poospatuck community reflect their resilience and commitment to preserving their history and cultural practices.
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Poospatuck
- CATEGORY: Tribe
- CULTURE AREA: Northeast
- LANGUAGE GROUP: Algonquian
- PRIMARY LOCATION: Long Island, New York
- POPULATION SIZE: 619 (2022 5-Year American Community Survey, Poospatuck Reservation)
The Poospatuck, also called the Uncachogue or the Unkechaug, were one of thirteen Indigenous peoples occupying Long Island, New York. They, along with other nations in the Algonquian language family, lived in the area for thousands of years. The thirteen nations made up the Montauk Confederacy, which controlled all of Long Island except the far western end. The chief of the Montauk was considered—by both Indigenous Americans and Europeans—the head of all thirteen nations. Many scholars consider the Montauk Confederacy one nation and view the thirteen smaller units as clans.
The Poospatuck lived on the eastern half of the island’s south shore. They lived in permanent villages and ate a diet of fish, seafood, maize, beans, and pumpkins. Food was cooked in clay pots and stirred with wooden utensils. The Poospatuck created beautiful woven fabrics and leather goods. In the early seventeenth century, the Pequots conquered the Montauk Confederacy. After the Pequots were nearly wiped out in 1637, the Narragansett began to attack the Montauk, forcing them to seek refuge with Whites. In 1666, the Poospatuck were granted a reservation on the Forge River. In 1777, the state of New York recognized the Unkechaug Indian Nation. They tried to maintain their traditional life even as their numbers dwindled. However, the Poospatuck Reservation is still intact and recognized by New York State. The Poospatuck Reservation and the Shinnecock Reservation are the only two Indigenous American reservations in Suffolk County, New York, and the Poospatuck Reservation is the smallest in New York State. The Poospatuck, however, have not been recognized by the federal government as a sovereign Indigenous nation.
Bibliography
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"Poospatuck (State) Reservation." Census Reporter, 2022, censusreporter.org/profiles/25000US9300-poospatuck-state-reservation. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.
"Poospatuck Tribe." Access Genealogy, accessgenealogy.com/native/poospatuck-tribe.htm. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.
Pritchard, Evan T. Native New Yorkers: The Legacy of the Algonquin People of New York. Council Oak Books, 2002
Strong, John A. The Montaukett Indians of Eastern Long Island. Syracuse UP, 2001.
Strong, John A. The Unkechaug Indians of Eastern Long Island. U of Oklahoma P, 2011.
Strong, John A. "We Are Still Here!" The Algonquian Peoples of Long Island Today. Empire State, 1998.
"Unkechaug Indian Reservation." On This Site - Native Long Island, 30 Apr. 2020, nativelongisland.com/listing/unkechaug-indian-reservation. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.
Weigold, Marilyn E. Peconic Bay: Four Centuries of History on Long Island's North and South Forks. Syrcause UP, 2015.