Quinnipiac

Member of an American Indian people who inhabited south-central Connecticut. They speak an Algonquian dialect. The Quinnipiac were expert hunters, using a variety of weapons, traps, and other devices; they also farmed and fished. Their religious leaders were shamans, or medicine men, believed to have healing and supernatural powers. By 1638 they were divided into four politically independent bands: Momauguin, Montowese, Shaumpishuh, and Totoket. They allied and traded furs with the British, and were granted reservation land in New Haven. However, war and disease diminished their population. Some joined the Tunxis people around 1738.

The Quinnipiac used bows and arrows, spears, and various traps for capturing and killing animals. They grew maize (corn), beans, and squash (pumpkins), and ate the fish and shellfish that were abundant in the area. They lived in dome-shaped wetus (wigwams) made of wood, grasses, or mud. Each band of Quinnipiac had its own sachem or chief.

They fought alongside the British in their wars against other Indian groups, and were granted a reservation in part of what is now the city of New Haven. However, their land was sold as the population died off. According to the 1774 census, there were just 71 Quinnipiac living in New Haven.