Minisink Archaeological Site facts for kids
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Minisink Archeological Site
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South bank of Raymondskill Creek near confluence with Delaware River. The bank is eroding into the Manna archeological site.
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| Nearest city | Bushkill, Pennsylvania and Millbrook, New Jersey |
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| Area | 1,320 acres (530 ha) |
| NRHP reference No. | 93000608 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | April 19, 1993 |
| Designated NHL | April 19, 1993 |
The Minisink Archeological Site is a very important historical place. It covers about 1320 acres in both Sussex County, New Jersey and Pike County, Pennsylvania. This area was once home to the Munsee people. They were a group of the Lenape Native American tribe.
The Munsee spoke one of the three main Lenape languages. This special area became the most important Munsee community for over 100 years, from the 1600s to the 1700s.
Discovering Minisink's Past
People have lived in the Minisink area for an amazing 10,000 years! Scientists have been studying this site for over 100 years. Research started in 1900 when they found Native American graves and old tools. They also found items from early European settlers.
Today, scientists want to learn about the lives of the Native Americans. They focus on understanding their cultures, not just collecting old things. Minisink is now one of the biggest and best-studied ancient sites in the northeastern USA.
Important Discoveries
The Minisink site became a special National Historic Landmark in 1993. Digging here has shown how early European settlers and the Lenape people lived together. Scientists found hundreds of old stone tools at the site. They also found remains of fish and fruit. This showed that people living here ate many different kinds of food. This was more varied than researchers first thought!
Protecting the Site
In 2004 and 2005, two very big floods hit the area. These floods caused a lot of damage to one part of the site called the Manna Site. This spot is where the Raymondskill Creek meets the Delaware River. About 20% of the site was washed away by the floods.
The National Park Service is now working with Temple University. They are trying to protect the riverbanks from more floods. They also do more research and teach students about archeology at the site.
