Opening from On This Site - Native Long Island

Marechkawick

Marechkawick names a Native village associated with the site of Brooklyn in early Dutch colonial records. Recorded spellings include Marychkenwikingh, Merechkawick, Merchkawikingh, and Rechkewick. Reckkewick is a cross-reference form associated with the same Brooklyn landscape. Marechkawick is connected with leaders Seyseys and Numers, land near the Hell Gate islands, and later references near the Kill of Gouwanes. The name appears in a documentary landscape shaped by Dutch expansion, diplomacy, conflict, and Native community continuity in western Long Island. The name is interpreted as meaning "at his fortified or palisadoed house," connecting it with a sachem residence or headquarters. Recorded forms include Marychkenwikingh, Merchkawikingh, Merechkawick, Reckkenweck, Reckkenwick, Rechkewick, Maerckaawicks, Marechkawieck, and Marwechkawick. Why Place Names Matter “Through place...