Home / Bolton, Reginald Pelham. Indian Paths in the Great Metropolis. Indian Notes and Monographs, Vol. II, No. 7. New York: Museum of the American Indian, Heye Foundation, 1922. / Passage

Indian Paths in the Great Metropolis

Bolton, Reginald Pelham. Indian Paths in the Great Metropolis. Indian Notes and Monographs, Vol. II, No. 7. New York: Museum of the American Indian, Heye Foundation, 1922. 293 words

Original map of eastern New Jersey showing the extent and course of the Minisink path.. . .Facing page 196 - XL Original map of a portion of eastern New Jersey, embracing the native sales of territory contiguous to Staten Island, showing a part of

INDIAN NOTES

MAPS

the course of the Minisink path. Drawn probably about 1750 as an exhibit in the Elizabeth boundarydispute, and now in possession of the New York Historical Society, by whose permission it is reproduced Facing page 202

Maps II to VI inclusive are original drawings by the author. Maps I, VII, and VIII are based on City maps by the Ohman Map Company of New York, with additions by the author of native paths, marsh areas, Indian titles, and sites.

AND MONOGRAPHS

INDIAN PATHS IN THE GREAT METROPOLIS

By Reginald Pelham Bolton

I.-- INTRODUCTION

THE narrow trails which, three centuries ago, afforded to the red man passage on his errands, and provided for him the means of intercommunication with his fellows, rendered to his white successors the important service of indicating the natural and readiest routes for their wagonroads. Thus they became in course of time the post-roads of the settled Colonists, which ultimately developed into some of the most important of the modern highways connecting great centers of American civilization.

Scattered references to these native paths in historical records afford the names and

INDIAN NOTES

INDIAN PATHS

directions of only a few of the many which must have existed But within the boundaries of the great city of New York some of its thoroughfares are traversed today by millions, who little comprehend that their lines of travel were decided, and their convenience in distance and grade anticipated, by the patient art of the wild men.