Historic Preservation
The tribe has been involved in historic preservation efforts for decades. Particular
attention has been given to preserving various historic sites of importance to
the Piscataway, and to the claim and repatriation of human remains discovered to be
of Piscataway origin.
We have experienced a number of successes recently in this arena - including the successful protection of the Tessamatuck village site from housing development, and the living village installed at Jefferson Patterson Park. Beyond this, we have a number of initiatives aimed primarily at the preservation, exploration, and continued use of our historic sites.
Our Agenda:
Zekiah Swamp Mapping Project - In 1680, the Piscataway built a fort in Zekiah Swamp anticipating an imminent attack by the Susquehannocks. This was one of the last Piscataway strongholds in Maryland. Over the years as some Piscataways remained in the area and others departed for the north, the location of the fort was lost. It has been the desire of the tribe for many years to use infrared technology to scan Zekiah swamp to locate the fort, suspected to be located some four miles southeast of La Plata.
Mount Vernon Connector - most visitors to George Washington's estate at Mount Vernon are unaware that directly across the river once existed the seat of power for the largest tribal confederacy in Maryland. Our tribe is seeking ways to increase tourism to Indian sites at Accokeek and Piscataway Park by leveraging the already popular Mt. Vernon Estate directly across the river.
Establishing Presence at Historic Sites - it is important to the tribe that historic sites - especially those designated as public parks - make clear their Indian significance as well as European significance. Our goal is to establish more of a presence at our historic sites by negotiating with the appropriate authorities to host our cultural events in these places.
The symbols over the map below indicate the location of sites significant to the Piscataway. Click on each to see a page that features the picture of the area, and the history of that site.
We have experienced a number of successes recently in this arena - including the successful protection of the Tessamatuck village site from housing development, and the living village installed at Jefferson Patterson Park. Beyond this, we have a number of initiatives aimed primarily at the preservation, exploration, and continued use of our historic sites.
Our Agenda:
Zekiah Swamp Mapping Project - In 1680, the Piscataway built a fort in Zekiah Swamp anticipating an imminent attack by the Susquehannocks. This was one of the last Piscataway strongholds in Maryland. Over the years as some Piscataways remained in the area and others departed for the north, the location of the fort was lost. It has been the desire of the tribe for many years to use infrared technology to scan Zekiah swamp to locate the fort, suspected to be located some four miles southeast of La Plata.
Mount Vernon Connector - most visitors to George Washington's estate at Mount Vernon are unaware that directly across the river once existed the seat of power for the largest tribal confederacy in Maryland. Our tribe is seeking ways to increase tourism to Indian sites at Accokeek and Piscataway Park by leveraging the already popular Mt. Vernon Estate directly across the river.
Establishing Presence at Historic Sites - it is important to the tribe that historic sites - especially those designated as public parks - make clear their Indian significance as well as European significance. Our goal is to establish more of a presence at our historic sites by negotiating with the appropriate authorities to host our cultural events in these places.
The symbols over the map below indicate the location of sites significant to the Piscataway. Click on each to see a page that features the picture of the area, and the history of that site.
