1523.org
The 1523 Project references the last year before Captain Verazzano sailed the Long Island coast. In his wake Native life changed forever.
This is what Long Island looked like 20,000 years ago. Locked inside the glacier are hundreds of feet of rocks and gravel. When the glacier melted it left that material behind. When you travel around Long Island try and picture 300 feet of ice and rock above your head, suspended like in an ice cube. The hills, flat areas, ponds, lakes and ravines were all deposited or carved from the glacier's actions when it was either growing or melting.
YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD LOOKED LIKE THIS 18,000 YEARS AGO!
Exciting, funny video watch as glacial walls collapse!
When the climate became warmer and Native People arrived on the land they found fresh water, hills to shelter from the wind, birds, animals and fish. The land's bounty upon which people depended was made possible by the after effects of the glacier's retreat.
YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD LOOKED
LIKE THIS 7,000 YEARS AGO
Long Island's history begins with the glaciers. They left us with rich farmland, hills, ravines, beaches, fresh water, bays, marshes, ponds and lakes. The jagged coastline in the maps below shows the relationship of massive earth forces with the terrain we all walk today.
Glacial hills (moraine)
The map above shows how resources follow the geology. Native People understood how to use those resources to create a successful life.Certain species of animals, fish and plants favor specific habitats. The sacred sites are located on hilltops or islands, also a remnant of the glacial retreat.
Learn more about glaciers! Great videos to watch!