Tackapausha facts for kids
Tackapausha, sometimes spelled Tackapousha, was an important Native American leader. He was a sachem (pronounced SAY-chem), which means a chief or leader among the Lenape people. Tackapausha was the successor to Penhawitz, who was his mother's brother. In the Lenape culture, a mother's brother was a very important person, almost like a father.
Tackapausha led many different groups of Munsee-speaking people who lived on the western part of Long Island. He was involved in talks with Dutch and English settlers who came to the area. These important discussions happened for a long time, from the 1640s all the way to the 1690s.
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Tackapausha's Role in Land Agreements
For over 50 years, Tackapausha played a key role in making agreements about land use and forming alliances. These agreements were between the Native American people of western Long Island and the Dutch and English colonial governments.
Early Agreements and Peace Efforts
In 1643, Tackapausha and other Long Island sachems signed an agreement with Englishmen from a place called Stamford. This agreement allowed the English to "buy" land for a new settlement called Hempstead. This land was also claimed by the Dutch West India Company.
A few years later, in May 1645, a sad event happened. Five of Tackapausha's people were killed by settlers from Hempstead. Then, two more Native Americans who had been captured were killed by the Dutch. After these events, Tackapausha traveled to New Amsterdam (which is now New York City). He met with Willem Kieft, who was the Dutch governor, to make peace. At that time, Tackapausha said he was speaking for all the Native American communities on Long Island. He promised that his people would help the Dutch fight any Native Americans who were against them.
Selling Land in Rockaway
Tackapausha was the first Native American leader to sell land in the area known today as the Rockaway Peninsula. In 1685, he sold the land that is now Far Rockaway to an Englishman named John Palmer. This was a significant event in the history of land ownership in the region.
Tackapausha's Legacy
Tackapausha's name lives on today. The Tackapausha Museum and Preserve in Seaford, New York, is named after him. This preserve is a special place, covering 80 acres of natural land. It is kept in its wild state as a safe home for wildlife. It is also used for learning about nature, for recreation, and for education.
