The Lenape lived along and used the creeks, rivers, and estuaries. This region consisted of mostly unbroken forest, so the only ways to get around were on narrow trails or on the creeks and rivers. The Lenape built dugout canoes made from cedar, oak and especially tulip poplar. They also made bark canoes using elm and other bark, but not birchbark.
A dugout canoe was fashioned by the controlled burning out of the center of a log and hollowing of it with stone implements. A canoe reportedly took 15 days to make and lasted only about a year. Canoes could be 40 feet long. They rode very low in the water.
How do we use the river for transportation today? Although cars have replaced boats as the primary method of travel in the area, the river still serves other vital functions, including shipping of goods (fruit, vegetables, beef, oil, cars, etc.) and recreation.