Tockwogh tribe
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| Extinct as a tribe | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Maryland | |
| Languages | |
| Algonquian | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Susquehannock |
The Tockwogh were an Algonquian tribe first discovered by Captain John Smith's party after being informed about them by the Massawomekes (Iroquois). The name Tockwogh is a variation of tuckahoe, a water plant with bulbous roots used for food. At their first meeting, Smith noticed they wore copper hatchets and beads which were traded with their allies, the Susquehannock, mortal enemies of the Massawomeke. The Indians held a feast for Smith's party. Smith noticed that the Tockwogh wigwams were much different than those of other Algonquian peoples: longer, larger, covered with bark, and shaped like ovals. About 20 made a village and villages were surrounded by fields of corn, squash, beans, tobacco. Before leaving the Tockwoghs, Smith traded blue beads, bells and hatchets for corn, pearls, meat, weapons and hides.