Native American Histories: The Delaware

The Delaware people once lived in what is now the northeastern United States. This land was filled with animals and plants that the Delaware hunted and farmed. The first European contact occurred as early as 1524. By the 1600s, the Europeans had introduced many tools for the Delaware to use, such as metal axes and guns. They also brought diseases that killed many Delaware people. Over the years, more settlers forced the remaining Delaware to move farther and farther west. Many ended up in Oklahoma. By the 1950s, with their culture nearly lost forever, the Delaware began efforts to preserve their history. They hope to keep their traditions strong for many years to come.