The Lenape Indians, were
one of the first tribes to encounter European explorers and
traders in North America. The Indians originally lived in the area that is
now New Jersey, Delaware and Pennsylvania. Also known as Delaware
Indians, they were a part of the Northeast Woodland culture.
Expanding European settlements pushed the Lenape westward forcing
them to leave their homeland. Their migrations eventually brought
them here to the White River in 1795. In 1820 the terms of the
Treaty of St. Mary's forced the Lenape to move west of the
Mississippi River. One of the theme areas sets the year as 1816.
Seven years earlier, Duncan McKinnen came from the east to
establish a trading post among the Lenape Indians. The Lenape,
built a temporary camp at the trading post. They hunted and
trapped animals for furs to exchange with McKinnen for tools
fabrics, cookware and other manufactured items. This exchange is
called the Fur Trade, a complex network in which animals pelts
are traded for goods from around the world. The fur trade has
brought the American Indian and the European cultures into
continual contact, changing the way both groups live. As we
visited the trading post we found tall John Elder just as he
finished chopping wood for the evening fire. In true living
museum tradition, John found it difficult to understand cameras,
TV, radio or electricity. All the re-enactors in the park are
locked in a mind set of the early 1800s which often produces
interesting conversations with the tourists. John
took us into the trading post and showed us all the items
available to the Indians as well as several pelts he had recently
acquired from a passing hunting party which had stopped for
supplies. Prairietown is, in every aspect, a town locked in time,
complete with mothers, children, and Indians. Each practiced in
the character they represent, and never straying from that
position. It's like walking through a stage play that just keeps
unfolding in every direction. The school teacher who had just
dismissed his class for the day discussed the educational merits
of his 19th century beliefs, with confidence. There was a
blacksmith shop, a wood working building and many other business
of the time. But the real entertainment was found, wondering into
the homes of those who would live there and sitting a spell while
discussing the issues of the day, as to whether or not
Prairietown would get a new saw mill, or whether Mrs. Jones'
oldest daughter, Emily, would marry that young Davenport boy. All
carried
off with never so much as a smile or look to see who was
watching. There are dozens of acres of activities to see and much
time will be needed. In addition to the town and the Indian area,
there is the original house of William Conner which is open for
guided tours only, and a children's activities area filled with
all those neat things that can be picked up, touched , or handled
which include a small assortment of animals, all suitable for the
kids. Of all the museums in this land, I love the living museums
the best. I always leave wanting to join the actives and become
part of the past. It is quite an experience. If you would like to
find out more about Conner Prairie check out their website at:
http://www.connerprairie.org.
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