Octoraro - Susquehannock Fort or Pre-Contact Town, An Archaeological Mystery

Researchers know that Susquehannocks did establish multiple settlements in the area, including on Palmer’s Island, even if temporary, for purposes of trade and resource harvesting.  Yet the presence of so many remains actually buried ceremoniously with implements indicates a more permanent situation than merely a battlefield or a fishing camp.  This leaves us the question – was Octorara an interim Susquehannock settlement between John Smith’s voyage and full encroachment of Europeans 30 years later?  Or was this a pre-contact non-Susquehannock town in an oft-used prime location for regional trade – such as Shenk’s Ferry or Clemson Island cultures?  Octoraro, which means Rushing Waters, is located in Cecil County, Maryland. Octoraro Creek is a 22.1-mile-long (35.6 km) tributary of the Susquehanna River, joining it 9 miles (14 km) above the Susquehanna’s mouth at Chesapeake Bay.

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