Potapoco facts for kids

The Potapoco were a group of Native Americans who lived in southern Maryland a long time ago. They were there when English settlers first arrived in the 1600s.

The Potapoco people spoke a language from the Algonquian family. They lived near a river that English colonists later named the Port Tobacco River. Their main village was called Potopaco.

Who Were the Potapoco?

The Potapoco were one of many Native American tribes living along the Atlantic coast. They had their own unique way of life. Like many tribes, they lived off the land. They hunted, fished, and farmed to get their food.

Their Home in Maryland

The Potapoco lived in what is now southern Maryland. This area was rich in natural resources. Rivers and forests provided everything they needed to survive. Their village, Potopaco, was an important center for their community.

Their Language and Culture

The Potapoco spoke a language related to other Algonquian languages. This language family was common among many tribes in the eastern part of North America. Sharing a language often meant sharing some cultural traditions too.

Becoming Part of the Piscataway

In the 17th century, the Piscataway tribe was the most powerful group in the region. They lived north of the Potomac River. Over time, the Piscataway tribe grew larger. They began to include smaller tribes like the Potapoco.

Joining a Larger Tribe

The Potapoco eventually joined the Piscataway tribe. This meant they became a sub-tribe of the Piscataway. When a tribe is "absorbed," it means its members become part of a larger group. They might share land, resources, and traditions.

What "Extinct as a Tribe" Means

Today, the Potapoco are considered "extinct as a tribe." This does not mean all their people disappeared. Instead, it means the Potapoco no longer exist as a separate, independent group. Their descendants likely became part of the Piscataway. They continued their heritage within that larger community.