<p>Yaphank, a village in Brookhaven town, was originally the name of the creek south of the hamlet. A land deed signed in 1664 by <a href="https://nativelongisland.com/listing/unkechaug-indian-reservation/">Unkechaug</a> Sachem Tobacus mentions a river called Yamphanke.</p> <p>In the 17th century, the Unkechaug Indians, who had their primary residence in nearby Mastic, built temporary campsites near what was later known as Weeks Pond.</p>

The Manor of St. George was established in 1696 by Colonel William Tangier Smith, who was an early settler of Brookhaven. After 1683, Smith arrived on Long Island and was granted a large tract of land from Long Island Sound to the South Shore, and established himself as a leading citizen of Suffolk County. He kept important records relating to Native American laborers and whalers in what is called "The Pigskin Book," documenting work transactions between him and local Unkechaug natives from 1696 - 1721. After Smith's death in 1705, occasional entries were made including indenture agreements for African American and Native American children. The book became an important research document pertaining to Long Island Indians and whaling during an earlier period when small, twenty-eight foot cedar boats carrying six-man crews hunted whales within a few miles of the shore.Reverend Peter John Cuffee, a preacher sometimes referred to as "Priest Peter" and an Unkechaug native, worked and lived at the manor. He was born in Hay Ground, near Bridgehampton, in 1712. After being converted in 1744, he served the Christian ministry following Samsom Occums departure of Long Island. He worked with Indian communities as far west as Islip, founded several churches, and was given a commission by the New York Missionary Society to preach to the Shinnecock. Peter John preached for fifty-six years until his grandson and successor was brought into the missionary - Reverend Paul Cuffee, who was a member of the Shinnecock tribe in Southampton. He died at the age of eighty-eight and was buried on the Poosepatuck Indian Reservation in Mastic, NY.

Raseokan (also spelled Raseocan, Raskokan, Ratiocan, or Resorokon) was the Sachem or Sagamore of the Matinecock Indians who inhabited the area of Huntington, New York, during the seventeenth century 1. He served as the leader of the village of Ketanomocke (also referred to as Ketewomoke), which was the largest Indian settlement in the town and ... <a title="Sagamore Raseokan (Ratiocan)of Matinnicoke (Matinecock)" class="read-more" href="https://nativelongisland.com/wiki/sagamore-raseokan-ratiocanof-matinnicoke-matinecock/" aria-label="Read more about Sagamore Raseokan (Ratiocan)of Matinnicoke (Matinecock)">Read more</a>

<p>A single fenced grave marks the <a href="https://nativelongisland.com/wiki/burial/">burial</a> location of <a href="https://nativelongisland.com/listing/rev-paul-cuffee-gravesite/"><a href="https://nativelongisland.com/listing/rev-paul-cuffee-gravesite/">Reverend Paul Cuffee</a></a>. This site was chosen for his burial as it was once the meeting place for the old Indian church location. It also exists within “<a href="https://nativelongisland.com/listing/niamuck/">Good Ground</a>,” the old name of Hampton Bays.</p> <p>Cuffee, a <a href="https://nativelongisland.com/listing/shinnecock-indian-reservation/">Shinnecock</a> Indian, was a celebrated minister, like his grandfather Peter John, who preached to Indians of Long Island. Cuffee, during his youth, was an indentured servant to a Wading River farmer who then became an enthusiastic convert in his early 20s. Cuffee preached among Indian communities, including the Poospatuck Reservation (present day Mastic Beach); <a href="https://nativelongisland.com/listing/niamuck/">Canoe Place</a> in Hampton Bays, and in the end, <a href="https://nativelongisland.com/listing/montaukett/">Montauk</a>. These vigorous preacher’s services were attended by large crowds.</p> <p>His broken grave marker reads: In testifying the Gospel of the Grace of God He finished his course with Joy on 7th of March 1812 Aged 55 years and Three Days.</p>

Whale’s fin is a sacred site for the Shinnecock, located two and a half miles south west from the current reservation and two miles south east from Canoe Place. Here, the whales were known to beach, potentially as an offering for sustenance to the Shinnecock in the area.

Contents1 Introduction2 Early Recorded Algonquian Names3 Revival4 Sites Translated Introduction The language spoken on Long Island and in southern New England are all part of the Eastern Algonquian language family.1 The Unkechaug language, for example, shares a vowel pattern with northern New England languages such as Abenaki and Micmac.2 Native women and men have carried ... <a title="Language" class="read-more" href="https://nativelongisland.com/wiki/language/" aria-label="Read more about Language">Read more</a>

<p>Missi Kesukut is a sacred site that was first preserved in 1991. In 2006, a skull was found in the area, identifying the area as a cemetery and at one time an Indian village. This discovery led to several years of local indigenous groups to dispute whether the area should be developed or remain as it is.</p> <p>Today, Missi Kesukut is protected by the town district who allocated Community <a href="https://nativelongisland.com/wiki/historic-preservation/">Preservation</a> Funds to purchase the land from the private land owner for it’s preservation.</p>

<p>The Springy Banks site has been described as a favorite summer camping grounds of the <a href="https://nativelongisland.com/listing/montaukett/">Montauk</a>.</p> <p>It receives its name from numerous delicious flowing springs of water that flow from the base of the cliffs here. Many an East Hampton and Three Mile Harbor residents speak with nostalgia of the sweet draughts of water that they enjoyed from Springy Banks when it was Town Property.</p>

Shell Midden as shown in life-sized diorama & a 16th-century village. Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center, Connecticut. Contents1 Introduction2 History3 Sites Introduction View of Sebonac swamp and Ancient Shell Heaps. Shinnecock Hills Golf Club is in the background. (Neg no. 12539. Courtesy American Museum of Natural History. Photo: M. R. Harrington, M. I. Smith.) ... <a title="Shell Midden" class="read-more" href="https://nativelongisland.com/wiki/shell-midden/" aria-label="Read more about Shell Midden">Read more</a>

<p>The <a href="https://nativelongisland.com/listing/sebonac-creek-settlement/">Sebonac</a> Creek Site is a <a href="https://nativelongisland.com/listing/shinnecock-indian-reservation/">Shinnecock</a> settlement occupied from the <a href="https://nativelongisland.com/wiki/late-woodland/#fnref-134-1"><a href="https://nativelongisland.com/wiki/late-woodland/#fnref-134-1">Late Woodland period</a></a> until the <a href="https://nativelongisland.com/wiki/post-contact/"><a href="https://nativelongisland.com/wiki/post-contact/">contact period</a></a>. A stone pottery fragment resembling a Thunderbird design was found along with evidence of a large wigwam ( 15 by 20 feet ), accompanied by another smaller wigwam (15 by 10 feet) southeast. In the center was a fireplace. Also to the east, a <a href="https://nativelongisland.com/wiki/burial/">burial</a> was discovered, containing one body.</p> <p>Today, the Sebonac Creek site is situated on the edge of the National Golf Links of America.</p>

The Matinecocks were one of the most prominent chieftaincies on the north shore. Its territory extended all the way from Flushing Bay, on the west, to the Nissequogue River, at Smithtown, and south to the center of the Island. These Indians had extensive villages at Flushing, Port Washington, Glen Cove, Oyster Bay, Cold Spring Harbor, Huntington and many other locations within their territory, especially on the bays and harbors along the north shore. The names of their chiefs appear on many deeds and other transactions with the early settlers and the remains of their camp and village sites are numerous to this day.

Introduction On July 31st of 1924, the Sag Harbor Express published an article on Jeremiah Pharoah, described as a “bold mariner” who lived in Indian Fields in Montauk with his wife Alloosa Tallman and their son (also named Jeremiah). It is said that Jeremiah spent nine years and five years away from home on whaling ... <a title="Jeremiah Pharoah – Montaukett Whaler" class="read-more" href="https://nativelongisland.com/wiki/jeremiah-pharoah-montaukett-whaler/" aria-label="Read more about Jeremiah Pharoah – Montaukett Whaler">Read more</a>

<p>Known as the last building with direct connection to Freetown, a small village inhabited by freed African slaves and <a href="https://nativelongisland.com/listing/montaukett/">Montaukett</a> Indians, St Matthew’s Chapel,was attended by African, Indian, and whites local residents on Three Mile Harbor Road.</p> <p>In 1976, the building was purchased by Richard C. Sage and moved to the <em>Maidstone Marina</em> boatyard to be used as a chapel for mariners. The building remains today; however, the interior has been changed into a fitness center to accommodate guests.</p>

<p><a href="https://nativelongisland.com/listing/unkechaug-indian-reservation/">Unkechaug</a>, a name for the nation of indigenous peoples living in Mastic, New York, translates to “people from beyond the hill.” Today, these hills are part of the Ronkonkoma Moraine, a chain of hills that span the center of Long Island. The Unkechaug Nations territory once ran along the south of the Ronkonkoma Moraine.</p> <p><a href="https://nativelongisland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/ronkonkoma-moraine.jpg" data-size="1066x800" data-lbwps-width="1066" data-lbwps-height="800" data-lbwps-srcsmall="https://nativelongisland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/ronkonkoma-moraine-300x225.jpg"><img title="" fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="aligncenter lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" data-src="https://nativelongisland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/ronkonkoma-moraine.jpg" alt="ronkonkoma-moraine Ronkonkoma Moraine" width="580" height="436" /><noscript><img title="" fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="aligncenter lazyload" src="https://nativelongisland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/ronkonkoma-moraine.jpg" alt="ronkonkoma-moraine Ronkonkoma Moraine" width="580" height="436" /></noscript></a></p>

Introduction Wobetom is known to be among the group of 17th century Montaukett sachems. His grave was identified in East Hampton by a glass bottle inscribed with his name. Burial One of the 17th century Pantigo burials were that of a leader, Wobetom, known from the Town Records as well as by this autographed English spirits bottle. ... <a title="Wobetom" class="read-more" href="https://nativelongisland.com/wiki/wobetom/" aria-label="Read more about Wobetom">Read more</a>

<p class="" data-start="0" data-end="630">The <a href="https://nativelongisland.com/listing/montaukett/">Montaukett</a> people are the Indigenous inhabitants of the eastern end of Long Island, with a <a href="https://nativelongisland.com/wiki/history/">history</a> spanning thousands of years. They are part of the larger Algonquian-speaking peoples, sharing linguistic and cultural ties with <a href="https://nativelongisland.com/wiki/tribes/">tribes</a> across the Atlantic Coastal Plain. The name “Montaukett” originates from the area’s geography, meaning either “high or hilly land” or “<a href="https://nativelongisland.com/wiki/indian-forts">fort</a> country.” Historically, the <a href="https://nativelongisland.com/listing/montaukett/">Montauketts</a> maintained strong alliances with neighboring tribes like the Pequot and Narragansett, though they also faced conflicts, particularly during the 17th century as European colonization disrupted their way of life.</p> <p class="" data-start="632" data-end="1143">Despite their resilience, the Montauketts were declared “extinct” by a controversial 1910 court ruling, which stripped them of their tribal lands and state recognition. However, the Montaukett people have continuously fought to reclaim their status, advocating for recognition at both state and federal levels. Their ongoing struggle is a testament to their enduring presence and cultural resilience, as they continue to assert their identity and historical rights in the face of legal and political challenges.</p>

<p>Eastville in Sag Harbor is a contemporary community, formed largely the descendants of Freed Native and black slaves, black and Native whalers, and European settlers. The neighborhood was first established in the early twentieth century by free people of color, who then increased in size as whites.</p> <p>Eastville, being located at a major <a href="https://nativelongisland.com/wiki/whaling/">whaling</a> port, was the destination for many <a href="https://nativelongisland.com/listing/montaukett/">Montauketts</a> seeking economic opportunities during the nineteenth century. Later in the twentieth century, community members worked in the local industrialized factories. ^{<a href="#footnote_1_1660" id="identifier_1_1660" class="footnote-link footnote-identifier-link" title="Allison Manfra McGovern, Termination and Survivance Among the Montauketts, pp. 226">1</a>}</p> <p>The heart of Eastville – the St. David A.M.E. Zion Church (seen in first photo), was built in 1840.</p> <ol class="footnotes"><li id="footnote_1_1660" class="footnote"> Allison Manfra McGovern, Termination and Survivance Among the Montauketts, pp. 226<span class="footnote-back-link-wrapper">[<a href="#identifier_1_1660" class="footnote-link footnote-back-link">↩</a>]</span></li></ol>

Contact Period Fort Corchaug near Cutchoge, other forts were at Shelter Island, Montauk, Napeague, Massapequa and Shinnecock. Illustration from Gaynell Stone’s Indian Place Names Thematic Map, 1991 Introduction For some time, according to John Strong, it has been known that Indians on Long Island built palisaded forts to protect themselves from other tribes. It is ... <a title="Indian Forts" class="read-more" href="https://nativelongisland.com/wiki/indian-forts/" aria-label="Read more about Indian Forts">Read more</a>

The Shinnecock Monument is an economic development project launched in early May 2019. The Shinnecock Nation’s goal with this project is to generate revenue to provide for its people. Being a sovereign nation, The Shinnecock Nation maintains the right to build on its land and pursue commerce free from civil regulatory restrictions improperly imposed by New York State.

In 1997, the Pell case began, involving an attempt to steal Shinnecock Reservation land. On a strip of land south of Montauk Highway and the Tide Water Pub, the Shinnecock tribe successfully defended the land from being taken and developed.

<p>The <a href="https://nativelongisland.com/listing/corchaug-tribe/">Corchaugs</a> controlled the land to the east of the <a href="https://nativelongisland.com/listing/setaukets/">Setaukets</a>. Their territory was bounded on the west by a line extending from Wading River to the center of the Island and east along the north fluke of the Island to <a href="https://nativelongisland.com/wiki/orient-transitional-period/">Orient</a> Point. They also occupied several of the necks of land along the north shore of Peconic Bay.</p>

Join the History Keepers, a dedicated group of On This Site – Native Long Island supporters on Patreon, ensuring the continued research and storytelling of Long Island’s Indigenous history. As a valued member at this level, you can submit a monthly question about Native Long Island history, culture, or sites. Your question will be answered ... <a title="Ask Me Anything" class="read-more" href="https://nativelongisland.com/ask-me-anything/" aria-label="Read more about Ask Me Anything">Read more</a>

In 1952, The Great Cove Real Estate Company attempted to build houses on the Shinnecock Indian Reservation just south of Montauk Highway in an attempt to steal Shinnecock Land. The final court decision in 1961 resulted in success for the Shinnecock Tribe, preserving the land as part of the reservation. The foundations for the houses can still be seen today.

<p>Around 1844, the “<em>Little Church</em>” is built on the reservation. It was a Millerite Church, a branch of the 7th day Adventist Congregationalist church. The Millerites were part of the great revival from upstate NY.</p> <p>Today, there is little evidence of the church beyond photographs.</p>

<p>The <a href="https://nativelongisland.com/listing/stephen-talkhouse-pharoah-house/"><a href="https://nativelongisland.com/listing/stephen-talkhouse-pharoah-house/"><a href="https://nativelongisland.com/listing/stephen-talkhouse-pharoah-house/">Stephen Talkhouse</a></a></a> Pharoah house was used by Pharoah later in his life. The house featured two “Indian barns” as <a href="https://nativelongisland.com/wiki/food/">food</a> storage, and a footpath toward Bridgehampton on it’s edge.</p> <p>The foundation remains today, but the house may have been a wood cabin during its use.</p>