Paleo Indians and Native Americans
After the Wisconsin Glacier melted, grasses and trees slowly grew. Big game passed through the area. Paleo Indians then moved in as the climate warmed.
Paleo Indians were north of the Gap at Pahaquarry, as found at the Harry's Farm Site. Charcoal from this place has been dated at 5430 BC + or - 120 years. However Caribou bones found at the Dutchess Quarry Cave near Florida, New York, has the bones dated at 10,580 BC + or - 370 years. So that would place early man at 10,210 BC to 10,950 BC in Florida, New York. Another Paleo Indian site located in Pennsylvania along the Delaware just north of the Gap, has carbon dating of charcoal at 8900BC. Most likely Paleo Indians were at the Gap around 10500 BC.
The Lenni Lenape, Native Americans, came from the west and inhabited the area for several thousand years. They hunted, fished, and trapped in this region. Later came the Dutch and other European settlers to the district in the very late 17th century. The rocks of the Gap were steep along the rivers edge on both sides of the river. Foot travel was not possible along the river through the Gap.
Read more about this topic: Delaware Water Gap
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