They were more probably reached by a trail through the woods, which was in use in 1679, when Sluyter and D ankers made their way from Harlem to North river, "which we followed a little within the woods to Sappokanikke." Some trails doubtless led across the island to the main path on the eastern side, one of which may well have extended from Strikers bay along the line of the later Bloomingdale crossroad (between 94th and 96th streets), thus connecting North river with the village of Konaande Kongh (5), the headquarters of the chieftaincy of the Reckgawawanc. An article on the history of Broadway1 states that "The Post Road or Boston Road as it was originally called, was the first highway laid out through the length of the island," and the remark is also made that "the topographical character of the

AND MONOGRAPHS

INDIAN PATHS

island in this vicinity was of a broken or rocky character, diversified with swamps and a briery growth, with but slight attractions to the agriculturist."

Along its course, northward of Astor place, we have only one recorded place of Indian occupancy, a tract at East 14th street bearing the name "Shepmoes" (99), probably a title descriptive of a local feature, the "little brook."8 (See Map II.)

As there was quite a tract of marshland along the west side of the trail at this part of its course, it is probable that this plantation extended east of the path, over the level lands of the later Tiebout farm. But this area does not have the characteristics of shelter and an accessible spring, which were indispensable elements in the selection of native dwelling places. It is most likely, therefore, that the position of this group of lodges may have been at or near Second avenue, where a run of fresh water existed in the vicinity of a knoll, thus affording to some extent shelter and water-supply.