The History of the Nantikoke

The name Nanticoke has its origin in the Algonquian language, the common Indian language of Northeastern tribes. The word Nanticoke is translated from the original Nantaquak meaning "the tidewater people" or "people of the tidewaters."

The first contact with the Nanticoke Tribe was recorded by Captain John Smith in 1608. While exploring the the Chesapeake Bay, Smith and his crew sailed onto the Kuskarawaok River. The Kuskarawaoks, later known as the Nanticoke Indians, cautiously watched Smith's ship from the shore, climbing into the trees for a better look. When Smith approached the shore in a boat, the Nanticoke shot arrows at them. Smith prudently withdrew to the main boat and anchor for the night in the middle of the river.

The next morning, the Nanticoke appeared on the shore with baskets of food. Still cautious, Captain Smith had his men fire muskets over the heads of the Nanticoke. The Indians escaped. Not until then did Smith's landing party see warriors lying in the reeds set for an ambush. Later that afternoon, with the Indians were gone he and his men came ashore. The party found fires still burning but no Indians were seen however Smith discovered glass beads, shells, and copper pieces left as gifts of friendship.

The following day, four Indians who had been fishing in a canoe approached Smith's ship. The captain convinced them that he came in friendship and they later returned with twenty villagers. In time food, water, and furs were exchanged for gifts and supplies that the English had. Several Nanticokes agreed to serve as guides for Smith to continue his exploration of the Kuskarawaok, now known as the Nanticoke River. Captain John Smith, in his writingas, described the Nanticoke as "the best merchants of all."