The Delaware Indians: A History

by C.A. Weslager

"One of the best tribal histories . . . the product of decades of study by a layman archeologist-historian. With a rich blend of archeology, anthropology, Indian oral traditions (he gives us one of the best accounts of the Walum Olum, the fascinating hieroglyphics depicting the tribal origins of the Delaware), and documentary research, Weslager writes for the general reader as well as the scholar."--American Historical Review

In the seventeenth century white explorers and settlers encountered a tribe of Indians calling themselves Lenni Lenape along the Delaware River and its tributaries in New Jersey, Delaware, eastern Pennsylvania, and southeastern New York. Today communities of their descendants, known as Delawares, are found in Oklahoma, Kansas, Wisconsin, and Ontario, and individuals of Delaware ancestry are mingled with the white populations in many other states. The Delaware Indians is the first comprehensive account of what happened to the main body of the Delaware Nation over the past three centuries.

C. A. Weslager puts into perspective the important events in United States history in which the Delawares participated and he adds new information about the Delawares. He bridges the gap between history and ethnology by analyzing the reasons why the Delawares were repeatedly victimized by the white man.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Native American, Anthropology, American History

568 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1972

About the author

The late Dr. Clinton A. Weslager was a History Professor Emeritus of Brandywine College of Widener University and was nationally known for his 24 books dealing with the early history of the Delaware valley, including Indian, Dutch, Swedish and English occupations.

Known for his engaging writing style, Dr. Weslager was awarded the University of Delaware Medal of Distinction, and the DAR History Medal. He received two citations from the American Association of State and Local History, and was elected a Fellow of the Archaeological Society of New Jersey.

Reviews

[Christopher]

Talk about finally getting around to something that has been on the to-read list forever.

I grew up (and now once again live in) the Delaware Valley. When I was young, my mother was friends with a Lenape woman who shared her folk tales with us. Later in life, at university, I became very interested in Native American history, writing my senior thesis on the expansion of the Haundenosaunee as a great power in the 17th-early 18th Century. The thesis was nominated for (but did not win) an undergraduate excellence award.

I've retained the interest to this day, with an especially strong focus on Pacific Northwest tribes. But I always meant to go back and read up on the tribe whose homelands I grew up in, the Lenape.

This book may be older, and some of its early anthropological work doesnt date extremely well, but it is still quite large and tracks the history of the Lenape from their homeland, to their survival being surrounded by great powers (both native and colonist) to their long journey of constant dispossession westwards. The earliest parts of the book are centered on the Delaware River, then comes the Old Northwest wars, followed by moving to Kansas and Oklahoma and the legal battles of Indian Territory.

[Mark Harris]

I read this book specifically to learn how the Pennsylvania colonial government “bought” land from the Lenni Lenape and how the Lenape viewed the selling of land. I also wanted context on Indian raids on white settlers’ homes on the Pennsylvania western frontier circa 1750. I found what I was looking for, and much more. Originally published in 1972, the book is of its time in certain respects, but seems to be a solid and accessible history of the Lenni Lenape people.

[Miroslav]

super zhrnutá história jedného z najvplyvnejších národov lesných kmeňov v Amerike a zároveň prierez udalostí ovplyvňujúcich aj tri desiatky ďalších okolitých kmeňov

[Lynn Gatehouse]

Professor Weslager's book addressed many of my unanswered questions about the history and culture of the Delaware people. It was well researched and interesting.

[Bill]

A great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the Delaware Indians. Thoroughly researched and easily understandable. I recommend this for anyone wanting to know more about the Delaware Indians.

5 out of 5 stars.