In the ancient past Delaware was crossed by a network of paths first forged by large animals and herds of buffalo migrating along the coast searching for food and salt deposits. The first settlers in this first state were the Nanticoke (Tidewater) Native Americans, settling and trading here since the early 1600's, gaining a land grant by trade with the Swedes, and improving the herd paths as they built their trading routes between tribes. They were recognized by Capt. John Smith as good trading partners to early European settlers. These paths were used by Nanticoke and colonists fighting together in the Revolution.