The Walking Purchase of 1737: A Land Dispute
The year 1737 marked a significant and controversial chapter in American colonial history with the event known as the Walking Purchase. This event was characterized by a deceitful land grab that resulted in the forced cession of approximately 1.2 million acres (equivalent to 4,860 km²) of valuable land from the Lenape-Delaware tribe to the Pennsylvania Colony. The events surrounding this land transfer highlight the complex relationships between colonial powers and Native American tribes, often leading to devastating consequences for the latter.
Who Was Edward Marshall?
Edward Marshall was an enthusiastic runner and a pivotal figure in the controversy surrounding the Walking Purchase. Commissioned by the Pennsylvania government to complete the geographical leg of the land deal, Marshall undertook a daunting journey to delineate the land boundaries based on an agreement that had been made years prior. His task was to run a distance that was said to be claimed by the Penn family through an arrangement made in 1686, where it was surmised that the land would extend as far as a man could run in a day and a half.
The Actual Journey of Edward Marshall
On the chosen day in September of 1737, Marshall began his grueling run from a designated starting point. He covered a staggering distance of approximately 60 miles (97 kilometers) in just 18 hours. This feat enabled the Pennsylvania authorities to lay claim to a much larger area of land than the Lenape tribes had anticipated. The journey not only highlights Marshall's physical endurance and tenacity but also exemplifies the exploitative nature of treaties made between Native Americans and colonial powers.
Implications of the Walking Purchase
The Walking Purchase had profound ramifications for the Lenape-Delaware tribes. The loss of 1.2 million acres not only stripped them of their ancestral land but also significantly disrupted their way of life, leading to increased tensions and conflicts with colonial settlers. The event sowed seeds of distrust that would carry on for generations.
Consequences for the Lenape-Delaware Tribes
After the Walking Purchase, the Lenape tribes found themselves increasingly marginalized and pressured. The land that was taken was not just valuable in resources but also deeply woven into their cultural and spiritual identity. The resultant hardships would eventually lead many Lenape to migrate westward to escape the territorial encroachments, fragmenting their community.
Ongoing Disputes and Legacy
The ramifications of the Walking Purchase continued to resonate long after 1737. The event is often cited as a prominent example of colonial injustices and has garnered attention in discussions around indigenous rights. The complex legacy of the Walking Purchase serves as a reminder of the need to respect and recognize indigenous claims and histories.
Fun Fact
Edward Marshall’s Remarkable Feat
A curious tidbit about Edward Marshall is that, despite flying under the radar during his life, he has gained recognition in modern discussions surrounding colonial history and land rights. His journey, meant to serve a colonial agenda, has become emblematic of the struggles faced by Native Americans in the context of land treaties.
Additional Resources
Recommended Reading on the Walking Purchase
For those interested in diving deeper into the topic, consider reading "The Walking Purchase: The Forgotten Story of Pennsylvania's Land Grab" and "The Lenape-Delaware Tribe: A History". These works provide insight and analysis of the Walking Purchase and its implications on Native American history.
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