Pompton people facts for kids
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| extinct as a tribe | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
 United States ( New Jersey) |
|
| Languages | |
| English, historically Unami | |
| Religion | |
| Christianity, Native American Church, traditional tribal religion | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| other Lenape |
The Pompton or Pamapon people were a group of Native Americans. They spoke an Algonquian language. They once lived in northern New Jersey. The Pompton historically lived along the Pompton and Pequannock Rivers. This area is now near Paterson, New Jersey. Sadly, they were forced to leave New Jersey. Their lands were taken by European colonists without payment.
Contents
A Look Back: The Pompton People's Story
The Pompton people originally lived on the west side of the Hudson River. This area included parts of both New Jersey and New York.
Joining Other Native American Groups
After a major conflict called the Esopus War in 1664, the Pompton faced difficulties. They were then invited to join the Munsee and Wappinger people. The Wappinger people lived on the east side of the Hudson River. Their lands stretched from the Bronx up to southern Columbia County, New York.
Important Leaders and Land Agreements
A key leader of the Pompton was a sachem named Memerescum. A sachem was a chief or leader among some Native American groups. Memerescum was seen as the main leader for many Native American groups. These groups lived along the Remopuck River and its branches, as well as the Saddle River, Pasqueck River, Narranshunk River, and Tappan. This shows that he led a combination of different clans.
Memerescum's name appears on an important document from 1710. This document is known as the Indian Deed of 1710. It is also called the Ramapo Tract or the Schuyler Patent. This deed gave away lands in what is now northwestern Bergen and Passaic counties.
Another important leader was Chief Katonah. He was a sachem of a combined tribe called the Ramapo in Connecticut. This group came from the Pompton people. They were forced to move to Connecticut because the Dutch settlers were taking over their lands.
Tapgow was Chief Katonah's uncle. Tapgow also signed the Indian Deed of 1710. He signed other important agreements too, like the Wawayanda Patent.
What Do the Names Mean?
The name "Pompton" is believed to mean "a place where they catch soft fish."
The name "Pequannock" is also interesting. It is used for the Township and the Pequannock River. This name likely comes from a Lenape word, "Paquettahhnuake." This word means "cleared land ready or being readied for cultivation."
