The Hudson River at Fort Edward

The Hudson River at Fort Edward. Native Americans. , Archaeological excavations in the Fort Edward region have shown that Native Americans have lived here for at least 8,000 years, and probably as long as 11,000-12,000 years. The Hudson River, as well as several lakes and streams in the area supplied fertile land for Native American settlements. The Mohicans occupied this land , which stretched from the New York City to Lake George. They had a symbiotic relationship with their land which resulted in a ecologically balanced environment. , Women were in charge of all aspects of farming. Men were in charge of other aspects of life necessary for survival, such as hunting. The Mohicans often used hunting techniques such as performing drives and creating snares and other traps. Nets were used for catching fish., Structures such as wigwams served as housing for the Mohicans. Tree bark covered the outside of these dwellings, furs and mats lined the interior to provide insulation. Temporary shelters, such as lean-tos were often found at prime hunting and fishing spots. If villages relocated, then the land was left to grow back to its original natural state., Lower inset , In the early 1600’s, the Mohicans crossed paths with Europeans explorers. The fur trade flourished with the arrival of the the Europeans, but along with them came diseases such as smallpox, diphtheria, and scarlet fever. Between disease and European conflicits, the Mohicans eventually left the area. As colonization expanded, Native Americans nations throughout the country were driven from their homes and pushed west by European settlers. The effects of Native American displacement can still be seen today, as the majority of present-day Mohicans now live in Wisconsin, with only a few remaining in the eastern part of the country.