1926-1994
Fort Massapeag Study and Rescue by Archaeologists, and Preservationists

Saving Fort Massapeag: A Century of Preservation

The "rescue" of Fort Massapeag began in the 1920s as a development threatened the local area. William Claude was chronicling finds as early as 1926 at Harbor Green. Amateur archaeologists and local historians recognized the site's significance, unearthing Indigenous and Dutch colonial artifacts as efforts to learn more ramped up in the 1930s.

Key to this preservation effort was archaeologist Ralph Solecki, whose 1995 article highlighted the fort's untold history and the importance of archaeological research of Indigenous cultures as they interacted with Europeans. Over decades, dedicated individuals including Solecki, William Claude, Ken Robinson, James Burggraf, and many others, built upon the earlier historical work of figures like Silas Wood and Gabriel Furman. Their research, documentation, and advocacy raised public awareness of Fort Massapeag. The place has archaeological significance as the only identifiable Indigenous fort in Western Nassau County, yielding over two thousand artifacts and evidence of a wampum manufactory. Research has shown that Fort Massapeag and the local village were hubs for making and selling wampum, which acted as currency when metal coinage was scarce and also held a sacred meaning for Indigenous Peoples.

Local historian Charles E. Herold played a crucial early role in 1934, persuading developers to halt construction and fence off the Fort site, a critical action that preserved its artifacts. Fairfax Road was even rerouted to protect it. The persistent efforts of these archaeologists, historians, and concerned citizens ultimately led to Fort Massapeag recognition as a National Historic Landmark in 1993, safeguarding its archaeological history for future generations.