An article in the 1915 Geological Survey of New Jersey, “Indian Remains near Plainfield, Union County, and along the Lower Delaware Valley by Leslie Spier,” mentions Lenni-Lenape sites that had been identified a century ago. The following are excerpts from that article.
In the Vicinity of Plainfield
On the Raritan watershed, west of, and paralleling the village sites on Staten Island, lies the First Watchung Mountain. A group of sites is located on the sandy bluffs in the sheltered valley southeast of this mountain. The surface archæological remains found on these sites partake of some of the characteristics of the sites in the little valleys about Paterson. Peculiar to the sites of the Paterson region, exclusive of the rock shelters, is the abundance of the commoner implements, and the great lack of finer articles.
Characteristic of many of the sites about Plainfield is the preponderance of small argillite blades and arrow points. Intermingled with these are a very few, small, well made points of black flint and yellow jasper. Other sites show equal numbers of well made argillite, quartzite, flint, jasper, and trap-rock specimens. No relation between the cultural characteristics and the geographical position of the individual sites in this group is discernible. The characteristics of these sites differ in a marked degree from those usually obtaining in Lenape camps, inasmuch as no pottery, no shell pits or heaps, no animal bones or other camp debris, with the exception of a few fire-cracked stones, have been found in the entire region. It must be remembered, however, that as yet evidence is furnished by surface indications alone. The large camp sites found in this group are groups of small camps; the same fields being used repeatedly.
It would obviously be ill-advised to attempt an explanation of the apparent heterogeneity which exists in this group based on the necessarily cursory inspection of the surface material which has been collected there; but two reasons for the presence of these remains have been advanced which may be profitably discussed at the present writing.
It has been suggested that this region might exhibit evidences of communication between the two headquarters of the Unami—on Staten Island and at Trenton. Such evidence may exist on the Raritan and Millstone Rivers, although nothing of the kind has yet been found along the Raritan River by Dr. J. Hervey Buchanan or the writer. These sites do not lie in the direct line of communication between the two headquarters; and the remains are apparently not those of traveling bands. This suggestion apparently does not account for the presence of most of these sites.
A second suggestive record of occupation of this territory is the tradition preserved by the descendants of old settlers both on Staten Island and about Plainfield: that the Indians, even at a comparatively late date, when they lived in the outbuildings of the whites, left the villages on Staten Island and those about Raritan Bay in the autumn to winter in the sheltered valley at the foot of the Watchung Mountains.
These sites were quite probably occupied by successive bands, which camped on them for varying periods of time. But were all of these camps occupied at a comparatively recent date, there should exist today on each evidences of the lateness of such occupation. Such evidences would be the slowly decomposing camp débris which forms the black soil of most camps known to be of modern origin. The utter lack of such decomposing matter, so far as is known, is the most apparent characteristic of these sites. Moreover, the number of sites within this limited area is, in the opinion of the writer, too large for all to have belonged to that period designated by the tradition.
It will be noted, however, that the suggested occupation by traveling or wintering bands offers no reason for the occurrence of two types of camps. Although the distribution of the superficial surface remains within the State when viewed collectively was found in agreement with the distribution of the historic Indians of the colonial period, yet this and other instances of differences between individual sites seems to indicate a lack of homogeneity.
Whether the heterogeneity which seemingly exists is more apparent than real is a subject for serious consideration; it is quite evident that this investigation may be profitably pursued at the present time. …
NEW YORK AND RARITAN BAY GROUP
Stirling
Near Stirling, one-half mile south of Gillete Station, on the north bank of the Passaic River, is a small camp site. Scattered relics are found hereabout, chiefly arrow points. (25-
23-6-9-9.)
Watchung
One mile northeast of Watchung there is a small camp site on a hillock. There were formerly a number of springs here, now dried up. Arrow points, several celts, and chips were found on this site. There is said to have been an Indian trading post one-third of a mile east of this site. (25-24-7-6-8.)
Washingtonville
On the headwaters of Stony Brook, on the land of Dr. J. H. Cooley and Leo Phillips, 1 mile southwest of Washingtonville, there is a small camp site where a few arrow points of flint and jasper have been found. Chips are not plentiful on this site. One flint scraper has been picked up here. No implements of argillite or other soft stone has been found here. (25-34-1-1-1.) Ed. Note: According to http://newjersey.hometownlocator.com/nj/somerset/washingtonville.cfm, Washingtonville is near Watchung Lake in Watchung.
North Plainfield
On Green Brook at Mountain and Leland avenues, a small camp site was located. This has yielded arrow points, a grooved axe, and some chips—none of argillite. While excavating for a road near this site a number of axes were dug up; in the vicinity of these finds several stone mortars were collected. (25-24-8-8-8.)
Occasionally relics are found along Green Brook from this site to Scotch Plains.
There is a small camp on the farm of R. Cadmus, situated on a bluff with southerly exposure on a tributary of Stony Brook. Many objects have been found at this site, including one grooved axe, excellently formed arrow points, one yellow jasper blade 6 inches long and exhibiting fine workmanship, and chips. (25-34-1-5-5.)
A camp site has been located on the bluff on Green Brook. Here three axes, several hammer stones, a pestle, arrow points, chips, and rejects were found. The arrow points were chiefly of flint, jasper, trap-rock, and some argillite. A few burnt and fire-cracked stones are scattered about this site. (25-34-1-7-8.)
A small mass of débris on a tributary of Green Brook in the valley immediately below Washington Rock marks a small site, evidently that occupied by a single lodge. A few broken specimens, and quartz and flint arrow points were found here. Chips are abundant on this site; these are chiefly of trap rock. (25-34-1-7-1.)
There is a small camp site on a sandy hillock on Green Brook road near a tributary of Green Brook. Among the burnt stones and chips scattered about, arrow points, pitted hammer stones, grooved axes and crude scrapers were found. The materials used in the flaked instruments were flint, quartz, jasper and trap rock. (25-34-1-7-4.)
Plainfield
On the sandy bluffs bordering both sides of Green Brook near its confluence with Stony Brook lies a very extensive camp site, or more exactly a group of small sites, the “tailings” of which extend for some distance in all directions, chiefly south along the brook to Dunellen. The remains from this site however indicate but temporary occupation. The main camp is situated on the point of land formed by the junction of the two brooks. Skeletal remains, reputed to be Indian, have been dug up at this main camp by Mr. George Fountain: with the skeleton was found a copper plate. In connection with this find must be noted the fact that British soldiers camped and were buried in the neighborhood. Remains from this group of sites consisted of arrow points,hammer stones, scrapers, and two undrilled banner stones. (25-34-1-8; 25-34-4-1.) We are indebted to Dr. J. Hervey Buchanan, of Plainfield, for information concerning this and other sites in the vicinity of Plainfield.
Dunellen
One-half mile due northeast of the Dunellen railroad station was a small camp, now obliterated. Chips were abundant here but no objects have been found. (25-33-6-3-5.)
There is a large camp site at Feikert’s farm, situated on the north side of Green Brook, 1 mile due northwest of Dunellen station. This site, including the scattered debris around the principal part of the camp, extends from Dunellen Road to Green Brook— an area of about 10 acres. Arrow points of flint, jasper and argillite, axes and pitted hammer stones have been collected from this site. Fire-cracked stones, chips and broken argillite pebbles are also present. (25-33-6-2-6; 25-33-6-3-4.)
A knoll on the south side of Bound Brook at the pumping station south of Dunellen has yielded a number of long, slender stone blades, commonly but probably erroneously called “fish-spears.” One argillite axe has been found on this site. (25-33-6-5-9.)
On the north side of the brook opposite this knoll is a small camp site. The objects from this site, and the chips scattered about it, are all of argillite, with the exception of a few small arrow points of flint and jasper.
Scattered relics are to be found in Dunellen due northeast of this site.
Lincoln
From the crossing of Gallagher’s Lane and Green Brook to Sebring’s mill pond the fields on the south side, adjacent to Green Brook, show scattered specimens. Arrow points, chips, and a broken hammer stone were found here. (25-33-6-4, 5.) Ed. Note: Lincoln is now a part of Middlesex on the Dunellen border.
A small camp site is on a high knoll in the meadow bordering Green Brook on the farm of Mr. Jones, near Sebring’s mill. Arrow heads, the majority of which are notched, are the objects found in greatest abundance on this site. (25-33-5-6-6.)
The second very large group of small camps on Green Brook is that immediately south of Sebring’s mill pond at the junction of Green and Bound brooks. These camps and the scattered debris from them extend from Green Brook to the outskirts of Lincoln. This is a rich site in regard to the quantity of objects found on it, but signs of extensive occupation are not found here. Broken ornaments, a broken pottery pipe, a banner stone, grooved axes, pitted hammer stones, a pestle, and an iron trade axe have been collected. Arrow points of all sizes, shapes, and made of all materials common to the points of this region, have been found in great abundance. Chips and rejects are also found scattered over the entire site. (25-33-5-6-8-9: 25-33-5-9-3.)
East Bound Brook
A large camp very prolific in specimens is situated on the southern part of the Creighton Manor tract on Ambrose Brook about 1 mile from where it empties into the Raritan River. The specimens from this site are those typical of this region— arrow points, grooved axes, and pitted hammer stones. The quantity of cracked argillite pebbles here is worthy of note. (25-33-8-3-1, 2.)
The fields along the south side of Ambrose Brook from this site to 1 mile above Newtown, and the fields on the north side from Newtown to the source of the brook have yielded objects. (25-33-9-1, 5, 6; 25-34-7-7, 8, 9.)
A small camp site is on the north side of Ambrose Brook due east of the Central Railroad of New Jersey crossing. The objects, from this site are chiefly arrow points and chips of argillite, flint and jasper. (25-33-9-1-1.)
Newtown
On a flat, sloping field on Dr. W. J. Nelson’s farm on the north side of Ambrose Brook is a small camp in which there is an excellent spring. This site shows arrow points and chips but no other specimens. All indications point to its use as a temporary camp. Its use for this purpose at a late date is confirmed by its present residents. Dr. Nelson, who is elderly, says that his grandparents told him of the use of this site by Indians journeying from Raritan Bay and described the papooses strapped on the backs of the squaws. (25-34-7-9-1.)
Ed. Note: According to http://newjersey.hometownlocator.com/nj/middlesex/newtown.cfm, Newtown is near Centennial Avenue in Piscataway
New Market
Scattered remains are found on both sides of New Market pond and Bound Brook from New Market to Samptown. These are most plentiful about the head of New Market pond. (25-34-4-5-8; 25-34-4-8-3.)
South Plainfield Pond
On a sandy slope on the north side of Bound Brook one-half mile west of South Plainfield pond the quantity of arrow points and chips found seems to warrant the assumption that they mark a camp site. (25-34-5-4-9.)
One-half mile east of here is a site on the brook reputed to be a burial ground. Artifacts have been found here, but so far as is known no skeletal remains, the sole evidence that this is a burial ground being the tradition.
Scattered finds are reported from the fields bordering the South Plainfield pond. Implements are ploughed up and washed out of the fields along both sides of Cedar Brook from the South Plainfield pond to Valentine’s Bridge. At this bridge was a ford, on both sides of which are found numbers of arrow heads, chips and axes. Several celts have been collected from the camp site on the west bank. Another very small camp is located on the south side of the bridge on the same side of the brook. (25-34-5-2-6.)
Avon Park
Two small camps are situated on either side of the road at the lower end of Holly’s Pond. The majority of the specimens yielded by these sites have been arrow points. Tradition affirms that in comparatively recent times Indians wintered in the “corn-cribs” at this place. (25-34-5-6-2.) Ed. Note: According to http://newjersey.hometownlocator.com/nj/middlesex/avon-park.cfm, Avon Park is near Park Avenue/Maple Avenue in South Plainfield.
South Plainfield
A large camp site is at the entrance to the Lehigh Valley R. R. coal storage yards. This stretch of sloping ground is adjacent to several large springs. Several broken axes, hammer stones, arrow points, the majority of which are perfect specimens, and chips were found on this site. The flaked objects were chiefly of flint and quartz. Artifacts of argillite are rare, and argillite pebbles are not abundant on this site. (25-34-5-9-2.)
A second large camp is situated on the Johnson farm, lying west of the stream which drains Dismal Swamp. This site is divided into two distinct parts. On the northern portion arrow points and hammer stones are found. Quantities of flakes and fire-cracked stones are scattered about this portion of the site. The southern part lies on a knoll. Here grooved axes, pitted hammer stones, crude celts and arrow points of all shapes and materials peculiar to this region have been collected. (25-34-5-9-4.)
Many implements were found scattered about the field immediately west of the southern portion of this site.
A large site lying south of the last one, on a hillock sloping to the southeast near Dismal Swamp, presents a number of interesting peculiarities. This camp is prolific in weathered specimens of softstone and trap rock. A few grooved axes, one or two stone drills,hammer stones, and a gun-flint of the square type have been found here. Burnt and fire-cracked stones are scattered over the site. Dr. Buchanan has a pear-shaped ornament from this site. This is approximately 1 inch long, of black stone, and notched at the upper end. (25-34-5-9-7.)
Many scattered relics— axes, hammer stones and arrow points— are found along the east side of Dismal Swamp from the entrance to the coal storage yards to Peney’s Crossing. The field southeast of Peney’s Crossing, containing a knoll, shows an abundance of chips of all materials common to this region. A few perfect objects have been found here; a rude sandstone axe and a perfect banner stone. Hammer stones and a few rejects of argillite and sandstone have also been found. Large chunks of argillite and cracked pebbles of flint, argillite, and sandstone are common over the entire site. There are but few indications of the use of this site as a camp: this was apparently a manufactory of arrow points. (25-34-9-1-6.)
One-half mile south of the Lehigh Valley R. R. to the east of the road from Pumptown to Plainfield there is a small camp on a hillock, near a pond which empties into Dismal Swamp. This has yielded a few arrow heads and unfinished specimens. All indications point to a temporary occupation of this site. (25-34-6-8-5.) Ed. Note: According to http://newjersey.hometownlocator.com/nj/middlesex/pumptown.cfm Pumptown is in South Plainfield near the Metuchen Country Club.
Lying on the east side of Dismal Swamp 1 mile directly west of Pumptown is a sandy sloping field where finds of hammer stones, arrow points and chips indicate a camp. (25-34-8-1-3.) …