The Lenape
The Lenape lived for thousands of years on the land now known as Ho-Ho-Kus. They lived in villages near rivers and forests, farmed the land, hunted, fished, and foraged.
The name of Ho-Ho-Kus comes from the Lenape, but the meaning is not truly known. It may refer to the red cedar trees common to the area, or the running water of the brook. Other nearby towns, including Hackensack and Paramus, continue to carry Lenape names.
The name of Ho-Ho-Kus comes from the Lenape, but the meaning is not truly known. It may refer to the red cedar trees common to the area, or the running water of the brook. Other nearby towns, including Hackensack and Paramus, continue to carry Lenape names.
Many artifacts of the Lenape have been found along the Ho-Ho-Kus Brook, which borders the Hermitage property. During an archaeological dig in the 1970s, researchers found a stone ax, a bowl, and many arrowheads.
Native American artifacts found in the vicinity of The Hermitage. They are now in the School House Museum of the Ridgewood Historical Society
Experience with European Settlers
In the 1600s, Dutch settlers were the first to arrive in the area from Europe. Early interactions between the Dutch and the Lenape typically focused on trade and were mutually beneficial. The Lenape traded food, furs and other goods in exchange for tools, metal goods, cloth, and firearms.
Misunderstandings about land transactions created tension between the groups. The Lenape understood land use to be seasonal and communal; they expected to share their land or allow temporary occupation. In contrast, the Dutch understood land ownership to be permanent and exclusive. Hopperstown (now known as Ho-Ho-Kus) was part of the Ramapo Tract, land that was gradually purchased from the Lenape under these tense circumstances.
Misunderstandings about land transactions created tension between the groups. The Lenape understood land use to be seasonal and communal; they expected to share their land or allow temporary occupation. In contrast, the Dutch understood land ownership to be permanent and exclusive. Hopperstown (now known as Ho-Ho-Kus) was part of the Ramapo Tract, land that was gradually purchased from the Lenape under these tense circumstances.