Description

Although the title states that the book and video start in 1675, the teacher will have to give more background if desired to infuse information regarding earlier inhabitants. The early Susquehannocks came from the Delaware Bay area. John Smith on his travels from there remarked about the tall, statuesque natives he encountered. Other tribes such as the Nanticokes, Shawanee and Delaware also lived here. For more information, see Bridging Change by Sally Teller Lottick. Students could also be assigned the task of finding which Natives lived here and in what locations. Perhaps the students could make a map of locations. John Orlandini has written a book on the Native Americans in NEPA, The Ancient Native Americans in Wyoming Valley, that is a good resource as well. Check the Resources list for other titles.

Most of the following questions require additional research.

Questions

1. This chapter is titled “Between the Mountains.” What are names of the mountains on either side of the valley? How do you think the names came about?
2. How did geography play a role in the use and settlement of the valley?
3. Why were the Iroquois in charge of this area when they did not live here?
4. Where is Campbell's Ledge found? Why was it important to the Natives?
5. Why was the valley such a coveted place to the settlers and Natives?
6. Why did the settlers from Connecticut and Pennsylvania claim the same land?
7. Why were the Indians so brutal to the settlers in the Valley during the Massacre?
8. How did Harvey's Lake get its name?
9. How did the people of the valley respond to the American Revolution.
10. Choose three individuals or groups from the first chapter to show the impact of an individual's life.
11. How did conflict and compromise play a role in the settlement of our area?

Additional Resources

Download Chapter 1 PDF