Most of the Indian towns of the Eastern Shore were not concentrated settlements. The palisaded Tockwogh was the sole exception mentioned by the English visitors in 1608; a palisade at the Chicone site on the Nanticoke River is the only one found archeologically so far. No doubt the continual enemy raids were the reason for the protective enclosure.

With 100 warriors living here, Tockwogh was also one of the largest towns with a population of 400 to 500 people. According to Smith, their houses were built of small young springs bowed and tied and covered with mats or the bark of trees, and despite the wind and rain, they were warm, but very smoky despite the hole right over the fire for the smoke to escape.

During Smith’s visit he learned of the Tockwogh’s extensive social networks by noting both their many descriptions and stories about their northern neighbors and their material goods, including furs, white shells beads, hatchets, knives, and pieces of iron and brass, which indicated far-reaching trade.