When did the Nanticoke begin to be negatively affected by European colonization?
At the end of the 17th Century, the Nanticoke and the Choptank were the only native tribes still living on the Eastern Shore of what is now Maryland, thereby surviving 70 years of conflict and contact with European settlers. As the numbers of settlers increased, the Nanticoke’s traditional hunting and farming was disrupted. Records show that colonists complained that the Nanticoke and other tribes tried to add to their diet by stealing a few hogs and cattle from the settlers. However, the increase of colonists and the decrease in forests had severely depleted game. Although colonial authorities tried at first to protect the Indians traditional existence, both the settlers and traders ignored the local government’s suggestions for co-existence with the native people. Unfairly treated, and their way of life severely restricted, Nanticoke and other Indians tried to protect themselves through raids and threats of war. Unfortunately, in 1642 and again in 1647, Maryland Governor Thomas Green
