Fort Massapeag Archeological Site facts for kids
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Fort Massapeag Archeological Site
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The site of Fort Massapeag in Sunset Park
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 Location in New York
Location in the United States
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| Location | Sunset Park, Massapequa, NY |
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| NRHP reference No. | 93000610 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | April 19, 1993 |
| Designated NHL | April 19, 1993 |
The Fort Massapeag Archeological Site is a very old and important place. It is located in Sunset Park in Massapequa, New York. Experts believe this spot was once a trading post. It was built in the mid-1600s by the New Netherland colony. This post helped them trade with local Native Americans. It might have also been a place where wampum was made. Wampum was a type of bead used as money and for special events.
Scientists first explored this site in the 1930s. A well-known archaeologist named Ralph Solecki was part of the team. In 1993, this significant site was named a National Historic Landmark. This means it is recognized as a very important part of American history.
History of Fort Massapeag
Building the Trading Post
In 1656, Peter Stuyvesant was in charge of the New Netherland colony. This colony is now known as New York City. He made an agreement with a Lenape chief named Tackapausha. The agreement said the Dutch would build "A howse or A forte." This building was for trading with Native people living on Long Island.
Archaeologist Ralph Solecki believes this site is that very trading post. The trading post was used until 1664. That's when the Dutch gave New Netherland to the British. Later, in 1694, the Lenape people sold the land to English settlers.
Discovering the Site
The area around the fort has long been called "Fort Neck." Many people thought the old fort walls were built by Native Americans. They also thought it might have been a battle site between the English and Natives.
Archaeologists became interested in the area in the 1930s. This was when a new housing area, Harbor Green, began to be built. During construction, Native American graves were found. The site of a Native village was also uncovered. Sadly, much of the village was destroyed.
The fort site itself was already known to people who collected old items. Their activities had damaged the site quite a bit. Ralph Solecki helped with an early dig at the site. His work there became the basis for his important research paper.
Today, the site is protected. It was saved from building projects and turned into Sunset Park. A sign stands near Fairfax and Gloucester Roads. It reminds everyone of the fort's important history.
