Opening from On This Site - Native Long Island

Wading River Site

The Wading River Site is the oldest clearly-dated archaic period village site located near the mouth of the Wading River, an ideal place to draw food resources from the freshwater stream and Long Island sound. It's sheltered location protected the villagers from the cold north and western winds, signifying its use in the winter, while abundant shellfish remains show spring and summer occupation; thus the site was used year-round. This camp, according to Ritchie who studied the site in 1955-56, was part of a. Strategically sheltered from harsh winter winds near the mouth of a freshwater stream, the Wading River Site is the oldest clearly dated Archaic period village currently documented on Long Island. Its setting shows how Native communities chose places with close attention to microclimate, fresh water, and coastal resources thousands of years before European arrival. 1774 – 1801 (ca.)...