Who are the Native Peoples of Maryland today?
A map showing the locations of Maryland’s Native American tribes Source: “The State of Maryland Historical Atlas: A review of events and forces that have influenced the development of the state,” Department of Economic and Community Development, 1973, page 9. (REFERENCE PHOTO)
Essential Question:
While many people think of Native Americans as part of the past, the truth is that they are still very much present. In this section, you will explore maps and population data to learn where Native communities live now, how their locations have changed over time, and why sharing their history is so important.
According to the 2020 Census, there are over 128,650 Native Americans living in Maryland, or about 2% of the state’s population. Study the chart below to see the population of Native people in each of Maryland’s counties. Which counties have the largest Native American populations? Why do you think that is?
| County | American Indian and Alaska Native alone | American Indian and Alaska Native plus one or more other races | Total people with American Indian or Native Alaskan ancestry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allegany County | 137 | 1,137 | 1,274 |
| Anne Arundel County | 2,354 | 10,734 | 13,088 |
| Baltimore County | 3,527 | 12,567 | 16,094 |
| Calvert County | 305 | 2,115 | 2,420 |
| Caroline County | 146 | 622 | 768 |
| Carroll County | 396 | 2,950 | 3,346 |
| Cecil County | 294 | 2,477 | 2,771 |
| Charles County | 1,236 | 3,749 | 4,985 |
| Dorchester County | 132 | 500 | 632 |
| Frederick County | 1,165 | 4,800 | 5,965 |
| Garrett County | 33 | 372 | 405 |
| Harford County | 712 | 4,884 | 5,596 |
| Howard County | 1,190 | 4,261 | 5,451 |
| Kent County | 41 | 289 | 330 |
| Montgomery County | 7,036 | 13,004 | 20,040 |
| Prince George's County | 8,935 | 15,145 | 24,080 |
| Queen Anne's County | 156 | 781 | 937 |
| St. Mary's County | 438 | 2,459 | 2,897 |
| Somerset County | 115 | 407 | 522 |
| Talbot County | 146 | 533 | 679 |
| Washington County | 465 | 2,965 | 3,430 |
| Wicomico County | 438 | 1,682 | 2,120 |
| Worcester County | 136 | 723 | 859 |
| Baltimore City | 2,312 | 7,649 | 9,961 |
| Source: United States Census Bureau, 2020 | |||
The people counted in the table above may have ancestry from any of hundreds of tribes from around the United States. They also include those from Maryland tribes. The main Native American tribes with historical and present ties to Maryland are the:
- Accohannock Indian Tribe
- Assateague People’s Tribe
- Choptico Band of Indians
- Nause-Waiwash Band of Indians
- Piscataway Indian Nation
- Pocomoke Indian Nation
- Susquehannock Indians
- Youghiogheny River Band of Shawnee
The Baltimore area is also home to a diaspora population of Lumbee Indians of North Carolina whose relatives migrated north to find work after World War II.
Take a moment to explore the maps on the following cards, which show the lands each of these tribes lived on in the past and still maintain relationships with today. As you explore the maps, consider the following questions and take notes in your notebook:
- Which tribes have lived in which counties or regions of the state?
- Are the boundaries rigid, or do they overlap?
- Find the area where you live. What tribes have historical influence in your area?
Play the following video clip from Liberty of Conscience to learn about Indigenous tribes in Maryland today. As you watch the video, note your answers to the following questions in your notebook:
- What message does Chief Donna want the public to know about Indigenous people?
- What are some ways that Indigenous people today honor their culture and history, and continue to carry it forward?
- According to Chief Mark Tayac, what is the significance of the American Indian drum?
Test Your Knowledge!
Now it is time to check your understanding. Use evidence and clues from the activities to choose the correct answer.
