Before the Chesapeake Bay’s formation and John Smith’s exploration, Indigenous Peoples thrived in the region now known as Maryland for over 12,000 years. These communities, including ancestors of the modern Piscataway, lived off the land’s rich resources and established settlements along the Susquehanna River, which later evolved into the Chesapeake Bay.
Uncovering Ancient Indigenous Sites
Archaeological sites in Maryland have been dated back to 10,000-12,000 years ago, showcasing a deep history of human activity in the area. As the Susquehanna’s channel widened, many Indigenous settlements were submerged, prompting the relocation of communities who followed food sources such as fish and oysters.
On a cloudy autumn day earlier this year, anthropologist Julia A. King of St. Mary’s College of Maryland and archaeologist Travis Hanson joined a group at Chapel Point State Park during the Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) Science Week to share insights into the region’s Indigenous past. Hanson guided visitors to a site near a natural spring, where traces of pre-colonial settlements—such as oyster shell middens, arrowheads, ceramics, and stone tools—indicated a thriving community.
“We only scratched the surface and found hundreds of artifacts,” said King. The findings suggest an extensive Indigenous presence that extended across the Potomac River.
Collaborating with Piscataway Descendants
King’s work includes collaboration with Piscataway descendants, such as Francis Gray, chairman of the Piscataway Conoy Tribe, one of Maryland’s three state-recognized tribes. Gray emphasized the importance of these partnerships in confirming historical Native American community locations and protecting the sites.
“It’s important for researchers and others to understand that they’re finding artifacts that belonged to a people who still exist,” Gray said. He highlighted that pre-colonial Indigenous communities in the area were not isolated but part of larger metropolises similar to the Nanticoke, Choptank, and Wicomico peoples.
The Impact of Colonization
Colonial settlement brought challenges to the Piscataway and other tribes. Historical records suggest internal conflicts within the Piscataway Chiefdom, including a power shift when Tayac Kittamaquund killed his brother to align with English settlers. Despite initial cooperation, colonists gradually expanded their reach, displacing Indigenous communities and taking over lands.
Efforts to preserve and share Piscataway history are ongoing. Gray envisions educational signage, interpretive programs, and respectful archaeological practices to ensure Marylanders recognize the land’s Indigenous heritage. “This is just woods to most people; they don’t see the history,” Gray said while standing at the Chapel Point dig site.
Looking Ahead: Preservation and Education
The DNR is partnering with the Piscataway Conoy Tribe to create interpretive programs at state parks. These initiatives, written in collaboration with tribal representatives, aim to educate visitors about the rich Indigenous heritage in Maryland. Discussions are also underway to plant culturally significant crops and trees, such as the red cedar, which holds spiritual significance for the Piscataway.
“We don’t want the footprint of our people to be erased,” Gray emphasized.
King and Hanson’s archaeological work, supported by state and federal grants, is shedding light on Maryland’s Indigenous history. Their findings contribute to a broader understanding of how early communities lived and interacted with the environment, particularly in resource-rich areas like the Chesapeake Bay.
“The Bay has long been a vital resource for people, including Native Americans,” said King. “It provided seafood, marshlands, and other resources that sustained communities for thousands of years.”
With continued research and collaboration, Maryland is taking steps to honor its Indigenous heritage and ensure the stories of its first peoples endure.
