Accokeek tribe facts for kids
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| Extinct as a tribe | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
 Maryland |
|
| Languages | |
| Eastern Algonquian | |
| Religion | |
| Native American religion | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Piscataway |
The Accokeek were a group of Native Americans who lived in Southern Maryland a long time ago, when English settlers first arrived. They made their homes along the Potomac River in what is now Prince George's County, Maryland. The Accokeek spoke an Algonquian language. They were closely related to the Piscataway, another tribe that also spoke an Algonquian language.
The small town of Accokeek, Maryland in Maryland was named after this tribe. The name Accokeek means "at the edge of the hill."
Contents
Who Were the Accokeek?
The Accokeek people were part of a larger group of Native Americans known as the Algonquian-speaking tribes. These tribes lived in many parts of eastern North America. The Accokeek were one of several tribes living in the area that is now Maryland. They were known for their peaceful way of life and their deep connection to the land.
Daily Life and Culture
The Accokeek lived in villages, often near rivers or streams. These locations were good for fishing and travel. Their homes were usually wigwams or longhouses, made from wood frames covered with bark or mats. These homes were warm in winter and cool in summer.
- Food: The Accokeek were skilled farmers. They grew crops like corn, beans, and squash. They also hunted deer, turkey, and other animals. Fishing was very important, especially for shad and sturgeon from the Potomac River. They gathered wild berries, nuts, and roots too.
- Tools and Crafts: They made tools from stone, bone, and wood. These included axes, knives, and arrowheads. They also crafted pottery for cooking and storing food. Baskets woven from natural fibers were used for carrying and gathering.
- Clothing: Their clothing was made from animal skins, especially deer hide. They decorated their clothes with shells, beads, and porcupine quills.
- Community: The Accokeek lived in close-knit communities. Family and tribe were very important. Elders were respected for their wisdom, and children learned skills from a young age.
Government and Leadership
Each Accokeek village likely had its own leader, often called a "werowance." This leader helped make decisions for the community. They also represented the tribe when dealing with other tribes or, later, with European settlers. Decisions were often made by talking things over until everyone agreed.
Accokeek History and European Contact
When English settlers arrived in Maryland in the early 1600s, the Accokeek were already living there. The settlers were looking for new land and resources. This meeting changed the lives of the Accokeek forever.
Early Interactions
At first, interactions between the Accokeek and the English were sometimes peaceful. They traded goods like furs for European tools and cloth. However, as more settlers arrived, there was less land for the Native Americans. This led to disagreements and conflicts.
Challenges and Changes
The Accokeek faced many challenges after European contact:
- Land Loss: Settlers wanted more land for farms and towns. This pushed the Accokeek off their traditional lands.
- Diseases: Europeans unknowingly brought new diseases, like smallpox, that Native Americans had no protection against. Many Accokeek people died from these illnesses.
- Conflicts: Sometimes, disputes over land or resources led to fighting. The Accokeek, like many other tribes, found it hard to resist the growing power of the European settlers.
Over time, the Accokeek tribe became smaller. Many joined other related tribes, like the Piscataway, to survive. Eventually, the Accokeek as a distinct tribe became extinct. This means that their unique way of life and tribal identity faded away.
Legacy of the Accokeek
Even though the Accokeek tribe no longer exists, their legacy lives on. The town of Accokeek, Maryland, keeps their name alive. Their history reminds us of the rich Native American cultures that existed in Maryland long before European settlement. It also teaches us about the impact of colonization on indigenous peoples. Learning about the Accokeek helps us understand the full history of the land we live on today.
See Also
