Canarsee facts for kids
The Canarsee were a group of Native Americans who lived on the western part of Long Island. They spoke a language called Munsee, which was part of the larger Lenape language family. They lived there when the Dutch arrived and started a settlement called New Amsterdam in the 1620s and 1630s.
Many people believe the Canarsee sold the island of Manhattan to the Dutch. However, the Canarsee only used the southern part of Manhattan. The northern parts were used by another group, the Wappinger people, for hunting.
Sometimes, the Canarsee were grouped with other Native American tribes on Long Island. This group was called the Metoac. But this grouping didn't always recognize that these tribes had different languages and traditions.
How Did They Get Their Name?
When Europeans first came to North America, they often named Native American groups after the places where they lived. This happened to the Canarsee people. Their name, "Canarsee," likely came from a place. We don't know the original name they used for themselves. This is because explorers, mapmakers, and officials used the place-based name.
The Sale of Manhattan Island
The Canarsee are often said to have sold the island of Manhattan to Peter Minuit in 1639 for goods worth about $24. However, the Canarsee only used the very southern tip of Manhattan Island for hunting. This area was known as the Manhattoes.
The Canarsee did not own the entire island. They did not tell the Dutch that the rest of Manhattan was used by another group. This other group was the Wecquaesgeek, a band of the Wappinger people from Westchester County. This led to confusion about who truly owned the land.
Red Hook Lane Heritage Trail
Red Hook Lane was once a path used by the Canarsee people. It went through marshlands. In colonial times, this path was the main route from Brooklyn Heights to Red Hook.
Today, the Red Hook Lane Heritage Trail in Red Hook shows where this old Native American path used to be. It follows a zig-zag pattern. The trail starts at the Red Hook Lane Arresick.
