1669 Over 500 Indians in Monmouth County, New Jersey *1
1711-1713 First recorded migrations of Keetoowah-Cherokee people
into New Jersey *2 and 3
This community [1711-1713] is the core group from which the Nuyagi
Keetoowah were established.*2 and 3
1773 Moravian speech on Sept. 20, 1773 is a second reference of Keetoowah-
Cherokee as part of the Delaware Nation…“ because we are not two peoples but
one composed also of Cherokee” *4
1775-76 Revolutionary War: Another recorded migration into New Jersey
occurs *5, 6 and 13
1779 The Keetoowah-Cherokee sought and effected a renewal of their relationship
with the Delaware who called them “kittuwa’. The Keetoowah-Cherokee sent a delegation of “condolence” to the funeral upon the death of the Delaware Chief White Eyes. They stayed with the Delaware and intermarried. *7
1800’s Monmouth County, N.J. documents another clear presence of Keetoowah-
Cherokee community living among the Lenape-Delaware *2,3,5,6 and 17
1827 The Sand Hill Band of Lenape and Cherokee Indians’, Benjamin Reevy
served as United States Senator from New Jersey. Footnote: 19
1861-1864 Civil War: Yet another recorded migration to New Jersey, Chief John
Ross of the Cherokee Nation lives in exhile in New Jersey with the Keetoowah-Cherokee community. *2,3,5,6,12
1870’s to 1920’s The Sand Hill Band of Lenape and Cherokee were acculturated into the local community, marrying with the remaining Lenni-Lenape. They held jobs as carpenters, mechanics and craftsmen. Many of the Victorian houses in Neptune, Asbury Park and Bradley Beach were built by Keetoowah-Cherokee Chief Ryers Crummel. Footnote: 19
1877 The Keetoowah-Cherokee community migrated along with the Delaware to
Monmouth County and established a community known as Reevytown. *6,8,11
1920’s A significant segment of the Keetoowah-Cherokee community of The Sand
Hill Band of Indians relocated to Passaic and Sussex Counties. Footnote: 18
1920’s to Present: The Sand Hill Indians settled in the River Street section of
Paterson and married other Indians who worked in the textile industry of the city. This multi-cultural community grew and thrived. Many Sand Hill Indian descendants are found in Paterson today. Footnote: 18, 20
1928 An ultra-conservative segment of the Keetoowah-Cherokee community
known as The Sand Hill Band of Indians are successful in establishing a Keetoowah
Stomp Ground in Stokes State Forest, north of Ross Corner on the Appalachian Trail. *9 and 10
1934 Acknowledgement and recognition of the Keetoowah-Cherokee community. Footnote: 18
1949 Chief Ryers Crummel with New Jersey Governor Alfred Driscoll recognize
The Sand Hill Band of Lenape-Cherokee Indians at the Trenton State Fair. *11, 16
Present Day: The Keetoowah-Cherokee community of The Sand Hill Band of
Lenape-Cherokee Indians continue to speak the language, practice customs and culture, and participate in a traditional Keetoowah stomp ground. *10,13,14,15,16
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