BY: Robert Jowaiszas, Community Editor/Reporter
The Lenape Native Americans were the first residents of Rockland County, and their presence is woven into every river, hill, and valley of this land.
The Lenape — specifically the Munsee and Ramapough Lenape — were part of the larger Lenape Nation, also known as the Delaware. Their territory included what is now Rockland County and much of the lower Hudson Valley.
historic map of Rockland/Hudson Valley
Long before modern trails or park signs, the Munsee-speaking Lenape lived, fished, hunted, and traveled throughout the region. Families paddled dugout canoes carved from tulip tree logs with stone tools, gliding along the Hudson River, Rockland Lake, Hessian Lake, and local streams like the Sparkill and Ramapo Rivers. The soft lap of water against the canoes and the rustle of leaves in the wind were part of daily life, as smoke curled from small fires along the shore.
dugout canoe
They lived in dome-shaped wigwam homes made from bent saplings covered with bark or reeds — clustered in small family groups. Children played along the riverbanks while elders taught them to fish, carve tools, weave baskets, and hunt game. The Lenape hunted deer, turkey, bear, rabbits, squirrels, and muskrats, using bows, arrows, snares, and traps. Every part of an animal was used for food, clothing, tools, or ceremonial purposes. Hunters offered thanks to Manitou for the gift of life.
The Munsee Lenape were guided by chiefs, known as Sachems, chosen for their wisdom and experience. These leaders helped families and councils make decisions about hunting, fishing, ceremonies, and trade. One such historic chief, Sesekemu, is remembered in early records for leading the Tappan area and negotiating with Dutch settlers an example of how Lenape leaders worked to preserve their people’s traditions and independence.
In Tappan, (tuphan) meaning “cold water,” families gathered along springs and creeks to trade goods, celebrate, and teach the next generation. In Nyack, (nay-ack) meaning “point” or “corner,” the Lenape thrived along the Hudson River. They built stone fishing weirs to trap shad and sturgeon, while children played nearby and elders shared stories and songs in the Munsee language — a language that carried their wisdom, traditions, and respect for the land.
In Haverstraw, Lenape families used local clay to make pottery for storing food, water, and tools. The Rumanchenank, Warranawonkong, and Tappan bands all lived in this area, following the rhythms of the seasons and living in harmony with the forests, rivers, and hills around them.
The Ramapo Mountains were considered sacred. Climbing the ridges was not only for hunting but also for spiritual reflection and guidance. The Lenape believed that every tree, stone, and animal carried meaning — teaching lessons of respect and balance.
And then there’s Spook Rock in Montebello — a glacial boulder said to have been a gathering place for ceremonies and storytelling under the stars. Local legend says the rock still hums with echoes of Lenape songs and prayers.
Even Clausland Mountain, between Nyack and Blauvelt, has revealed arrowheads, pottery shards, and tools — silent reminders of the Lenape’s daily life was one of fishing, hunting, crafting, and traveling along the trails that shaped their world.
Lenape arrowheads
The Munsee Lenape spoke a language that guided not just work but also social and spiritual life. Through it, stories, songs, and teachings were passed from elders to children, connecting generations to each other and to the land.
Rockland’s history didn’t begin with roads or towns — it began with the people who knew every river, ridge, and glade by name.
So next time you hike Bear Mountain, paddle near Rockland Lake, or walk along the Hudson, remember: every hill, stream, and lake still carries the quiet memory of the Munsee Lenape who first called it home.
The Ramapough Lenape Nation remains active in the region today, continuing to preserve their heritage and protect sacred lands in the Ramapo Valley.
Chief Dwaine Perry and Ramapo Town Supervisor Michael Specht
Credit: Historical Society of Rockland County; Munsee Lenape Historical Sources
Learn More About the Lenape in Rockland County by visiting:
Historical Society of Rockland County (HSRC) – rocklandhistory.org
Explore local archives, Lenape artifacts, maps, and exhibits about early Rockland history, including Native American settlements.
Rockland County Parks & Historic Sites – rocklandgov.com/departments/parks
Visit parks with interpretive signs highlighting Lenape history, including Bear Mountain, Clausland Mountain, and Rockland Lake.
Nyack Library Local History Collection – nyacklibrary.org/local-history
Books, photos, and documents on the Munsee Lenape and early Rockland communities.
Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library – Local History Room – hkdpl.org
Regional Native American resources and records of the Rumanchenank, Warranawonkong, and Tappan bands.
Rockland County Historical Trail Map – rocklandgov.com/departments/parks/historical-sites
Explore trails and parks highlighting places with Lenape significance, including Spook Rock, Clausland Mountain, and the Ramapo Mountains.