Raritan people facts for kids
The Raritan were groups of the Lenape people. They lived near the Raritan River and its bay. This area is now parts of northeastern New Jersey and Staten Island, New York.
Who Were the Raritan People?
The Raritan were a part of the larger Lenape nation. The Lenape were Native American people. They lived in the northeastern parts of North America. The Raritan lived in what is now New Jersey and New York. Their homes were close to the Raritan River. This river flows into a large bay.
What Does the Name 'Raritan' Mean?
The name "Raritan" likely comes from one of the Lenape languages. These languages are part of the Algonquian language family. There are different ideas about what the name means.
- One idea is that it comes from Naraticong. This means "river beyond the island."
- Another idea suggests it comes from Roaton or Raritanghe. These were names for a group that moved from across the Hudson River. They settled in the Raritan area.
- Some believe "Raritan" is how the Dutch said wawitan or rarachons. These words mean "forked river" or "stream overflows."
Raritan and Early European Settlers
The Raritan people met European settlers very early on. These settlers were from the colony of New Netherland. This colony was set up by the Dutch.
William Kieft was the governor of New Netherland. He planned an attack against the Raritan. This was because some pigs were stolen from a farm. The farm was on what is now Staten Island.
The attack did not cause a lot of damage to the Raritan. But it made the Raritan and other Native American groups join together. They fought against the Dutch settlements. This conflict is known as Kieft's War. It lasted from 1643 to 1645.
de:Raritan
