So You Think You Know Philly? Who Lived Here Way Before Rocky?
Hey there, history buffs and cheesesteak enthusiasts! Today we're taking a trip back in time, way before the Liberty Bell started clanging and cheesesteaks were invented (although, can you imagine a cheesesteak with all the trimmings for breakfast? We digress...). We're talking about the original Philadelphians, the folks who chilled on the land long before William Penn showed up with his quaker hat and land grant.
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| What Native American Tribes Lived In Philadelphia |
Drumroll please...
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The answer is the Lenape tribe! That's right, these Algonquian-speaking people called the area around what is now Philly home for thousands of years. They weren't just hanging out though, they were thriving! The Lenape were skilled hunters, fishers, and farmers, living in harmony with the environment (unlike some of us, cough overflowing landfills cough). Their territory, called Lenapehoking, stretched across parts of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, with Philly smack dab in the center.
Subheading Shenanigans: Who Were These Lenape Folks, Anyway?
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The Lenape weren't just one big group. They were actually divided into bands, kind of like mini-tribes, each with its own leader and territory. Some of the bands that lived around Philly were the Unami ("people of the downriver") and the Minsink ("people of the stony places"). These bands lived in wigwams, worshipped a variety of nature spirits, and had a pretty sweet social structure based on family units and clans.
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Let's Not Forget the Treaty Thing...
Things got a little complicated when William Penn rolled into town in 1682. Penn, unlike some of the other colonizers, was known for his fair dealings with Native Americans. He signed a treaty with the Lenape, known as the Walking Purchase, to acquire the land for his Quaker colony. Here's the funny part (well, not really funny, but interesting): the treaty involved Penn's men walking a day and a half from one point on the Delaware River to another, supposedly marking the extent of the land purchase. Let's just say, Penn's men were some serious walkers (or maybe they jogged? We may never know).
Tip: Rest your eyes, then continue.
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Fast Forward to Today
Sadly, the Lenape were eventually forced from their lands due to European expansion. However, their legacy lives on! There are still Lenape descendants around today, and the City of Philadelphia even has a land acknowledgement recognizing the Lenape as the original inhabitants of the area.
Feeling Curious? We Got You Covered - FAQ
How to Learn More About the Lenape? Easy! Check out some resources from the Lenni Lenape Historical Center or the Eastern Cherokee Nation of North Carolina (yes, they have some great info on the Lenape too!).
How to See Lenape Influence in Philly Today? There are a few places! Visit Penn Treaty Park (site of the Walking Purchase) or check out the Tamanend statue near I-95, honoring a famous Lenape leader.
How to Pronounce Lenape? It's actually pretty easy – say "luh-NAH-pay."
How to Celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day? Many cities hold events on Indigenous Peoples Day (usually in October). See if there's one happening near you!
How to Get Involved with Indigenous Communities? There are many ways! Volunteer with an Indigenous organization or support Indigenous-owned businesses.
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