Poospatuck Reservation

Beginning in the 19th century, school aged children on the Poospatuck Reservation were educated in a mission school located on the Reservation. Eventually, New York State took over the school and court cases ensued to determine whether or not the state should continue to fund the Reservation School.

The school on the Reservation did not possess facilities of the same quality as other public schools. Therefore, when the Poospatuck children went to school outside the reservation in the older grades, they were not sufficiently prepared and tended to drop out. By the 1950’s, the children from the Reservation were finishing school although it was still a struggle for them. 

~ from an interview with John Strong & Amy Wallace 14 Dec 2007

The June Meeting originally took place after the first planting when the corn began to sprout. When the Europeans came the June Meeting became something of a family reunion. Later, the Christian missionaries arranged for the June Meeting to always occur on a Sunday in conjunction with church services. June Meeting now occurs on the second Sunday in June at the Poospatuck Reservation.

~ from an interview with John Strong & Amy Wallace 14 Dec 2007

During the 1700’s the Unkechaug were given 175 acres of land to live on by William Smith. The 175 acres consisted of several scattered parcels.  The main parcel was on the Forge River. It can not be said with certainty why the parcels were scattered. However, one theory is that at least some of the parcels may have been burial grounds or existing villages. Within a few decades the majority of the land had been returned, leaving the Unkechaug with the 52 acres that make up the Poospatuck Reservation today.

 ~ from an interview with John Strong & Amy Wallace 14 Dec 2007