The Lenni Lenape, or Delaware Indians

by Edwin Robert Walker

"The Lenni Lenape, or Delaware Indians" by Edwin Robert Walker is a historical account written during the early 20th century. The book explores the culture, history, and disappearance of the Lenape people, also known as the Delaware Indians, who were indigenous to the area now known as New Jersey. Walker delivers a comprehensive study of their society, illustrating their customs, governance, and eventual decline due to contact with European settlers. In this address, Walker provides an in-depth look at the Lenape people, detailing their social structure, beliefs, and interactions with early European settlers. He discusses their way of life, including hunting, fishing, and agriculture, and explains the significance of key figures such as Chief Teedyescung. The narrative highlights the effects of disease and the introduction of alcohol on the Native population, which led to a sharp decline in their numbers. Drawing upon various historical accounts, Walker emphasizes the Lenape's rich traditions and the tragic fate that befell their community as they lost their lands and were ultimately displaced.