Origin of the Name

The name Piscataway comes from an Algonquian word meaning “where the waters blend” or “great deer river.” This refers to the confluence of rivers and estuaries in their homeland along the Potomac River. The tribe is also known historically as the Conoy.

The Founding of Maryland - Settlers greeted by the Piscataway

Range

The Piscataway lived primarily in what is now southern Maryland along the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay and the lower Potomac River. Their territory included fertile river valleys, tidal marshes, and coastal plains, which provided abundant resources.

Early encounter with Piscataway People - Loudoun County, Virginia - 1699

Diet

The Piscataway diet was diverse, reflecting the rich ecosystems of the Chesapeake region. They grew the “Three Sisters” — corn, beans, and squash — in addition to sunflowers. They hunted deer, wild turkey, and small game and fished for sturgeon, shad, and other fish. Shellfish such as oysters and clams were also important in their diet.

Home Type

The Piscataway lived in wigiwams (also called wigwams), which were dome-shaped structures made from saplings, bark, and reeds. These homes were efficient for the climate and could be easily repaired or moved if needed.

Culture

The Piscataway were part of the larger Algonquian-speaking peoples of the Chesapeake. They organized themselves under a paramount chief, known as the Tayac, who governed a confederacy of related villages. Their society was hierarchical, with nobility, commoners, and servants. Spiritual life centered on harmony with nature, and shamans performed rituals for healing and agriculture.

Myths & Beliefs: Piscataway oral traditions included stories about the creation of the world and the role of natural spirits in daily life. Seasonal festivals celebrated planting and harvest times.

A Piscataway Creation Myth: One traditional Piscataway myth tells how the world began as an endless expanse of water. The Great Spirit created a giant turtle to rise from the depths, and on its back land slowly formed. Birds carried soil and plants to the turtle’s shell, creating forests and rivers. Animals came next, followed by humans, who were taught to live in harmony with nature. This story explains why the turtle is honored in Piscataway culture as a symbol of life and stability. It also reflects their deep belief in balance between people, animals, and the earth.

Customs:

• Green Corn Festival: This late summer celebration marked the first harvest of corn. The Piscataway gave thanks to the Creator for a good crop, held purification rituals, and enjoyed dancing, music, and feasting. It was also a time to strengthen community bonds and settle disputes.
• Naming Ceremony: When a child was born, the community held a special ceremony to give the child a name. The name often reflected nature, an ancestor, or a hoped-for quality like bravery or wisdom. This ritual involved blessings from elders and prayers for the child’s future.

Crafts & Trade: They were skilled in pottery, basketry, and beadwork, often using shells and copper. They traded with neighboring tribes and later with European settlers, exchanging food, furs, and crafts.

Use of Shells and Copper: The Piscataway valued shells and copper for both practical and ceremonial purposes. They crafted beads and ornaments from shells collected along the Chesapeake Bay, using them in jewelry, clothing decoration, and as trade currency. Copper, often obtained through trade with inland tribes or Europeans, was shaped into pendants, beads, and ceremonial items. These materials were symbols of wealth, status, and spiritual power, often worn by leaders and used in important rituals and gift exchanges.

History Timeline

• Pre-1600: Piscataway establish a strong confederacy under the Tayac system and thrive along the Potomac River.
• 1608: First contact with English explorer Captain John Smith during his Chesapeake expedition.
• 1634: Maryland colony founded; Piscataway initially ally with English settlers.
• 1650s–1670s: Population declines due to European diseases and conflicts.
• 1700s: Many Piscataway move northward or merge with other tribes under pressure from colonization.
• Modern Era: Piscataway people continue to live in Maryland; several groups have state recognition and work to preserve their culture and language.

Discussion Questions

1. How did the Chesapeake Bay environment shape the Piscataway way of life?
2. Why was the Tayac system important for Piscataway political organization?
3. How did European contact change Piscataway culture and survival?
4. What can we learn from Piscataway myths and traditions about their values?

Glossary

• Algonquian: A large Native American language family spoken by many tribes in the eastern U.S. and Canada.
• Tayac: The paramount chief of the Piscataway Confederacy.
• Wigwam: A dome-shaped Native home made from wood and bark.
• Confederacy: A union of different tribes or groups under a single leadership.

Four Interesting Facts

• The Piscataway were among the first tribes to encounter English settlers in Maryland.
• Their name is still found in modern geography, such as Piscataway Creek.
• They traditionally used dugout canoes to navigate rivers and the Chesapeake Bay.
• Several Piscataway descendants today play active roles in cultural revival projects.