JC's Query re the Walking Purchase

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Posted by ann on July 28, 1998 at 07:54:30:

JC,

Yes, I've heard of the Walking Purchase, however, my knowledge of the details is sketchy. Wasn't it an agreement between Wm Penn & native Amer. that the land within a days walk of Philadelphia could be "used" by the new settlers?.....the principal misunderstanding of this particular treaty seemed to be the fact that "Indian" culture didn't have the concept of land ownership.....they moved about in order to hunt.....in fact, the women of their culture were the farmers at that time. Therefore, their understanding was that the land within a "days walk" included one in which stops would be made for hunting, food preparation & other daily activities. Of course, Wm Penn had our traditional belief of individual land ownership & believed the treaty included land which extended beyond the natives original intent.

The fact that he had concern for the natives rights in any way was unique for the time......if he wasn't such a religious, peaceful man he would've just stated his "divine":o) right as an Englishman to own land--even if it was stolen outright from the original owners. Just started reading a fascinating book about the native americans customs that put them at a huge disadvantage as far as their land & methods of keeping it....take care, Ann

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