The Susquehannock Indian Tribe traditionally lived in Pennsylvania and New York, as well as lands in what is now the state of Maryland. During the early colonial era they lived in and utilized lands primarily in the northern counties, but were also active into parts of southern Maryland where the English settler population was centered. In the first decades of settlement, other Indigenous nations, including the Piscataway, had conflict with the Susquehannock, in some cases enlisting their English allies in support. On July 5, 1652, the Maryland colonial assembly signed a treaty with the “Indian Nation of Sasquesahanogh” to promote peace but also to acquire lands. It is likely that the Susquehannock representatives unwillingly transferred these lands as they also hoped to stem further English encroachment. Among other items, the treaty included provisions for both sides to return runaway servants or enslaved people, and prohibited Indigenous messengers to approach on land or in grou...