Have you heard of Seneca Village?
A Thriving African-American Community in NYC in the 1850s
I’ve dedicated this month to examining Black towns that were taken or destroyed for either eminent domain or just plain racial hate.
I remembered the story of Seneca Village in New York City which was located in today’s Central Park but I never took a deep dive to learn more and was surprised to find that this was a community of free Black people.
Seneca Village, a predominantly Black community was from West 82nd to West 89th Street. Most of the residents owned property.
In 1825, John and Elisabeth Whitehead, subdivided their land and sold and sold it in 200 lots. Andrew Williams, a shoeshiner, bought 3 lots for $125.
Epiphany Davis, a store clerk, bought 12 lots for $578, and the AME Zion Church purchased another six lots. From there a community was born. From 1825 to 1832, the Whiteheads sold about half of their land parcels to other African-Americans.
By 1855, the village consisted of approximately 225 residents, made up of roughly two-thirds African-Americans, one-third Irish immigrants, and a small number of individuals of German descent.
Despite slavery being abolished in New York in 1827, racial discrimination was ever present and the Seneca Village provided a refuge from the intensity of the city.
There were misperceptions of the area despite the many property owners, school and AME Zion church. A smear campaign by New York elites stated the Seneca Village consisted of squatters living in shanties, but most people lived in two-story homes.
Census records showed that the African-Americans that lived there were skilled laborers and their children attended school.
In the 1850s, New York City began planning for the municipal park. Claiming eminent domain, they relocated roughly 1600 people. 300 of those were residents of Seneca Village. Though they were paid for the land, it was reported well below market value. All residents had to leave by 1857.
More recently a few descendants have been found and archeological digs have occurred finding remnants of the town.
I love the end of this video where the descendants talk about how these stories need to be told. And I couldn’t agree more.
I look forward to diving more into this story and others at my next monthly discussion. Join me Saturday, August 31st at 11am (pst)/1pm (cst)/2pm (est) for paid subscribers.
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Best,
Danita
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No I have not heard of Seneca Village. You done gone and done it again another "Untold Story" . Ms. Danita. lol. In the first paragraph I think it should of read a "community of freeish black people" like the ones we have today. I will never see Central park the same way. It's Seneca too me now! lol. Oh, and that article with the last line being "It is to be hoped that their removal (have you) will be effected with as much gentleness as possible". Are you kiddin' me! Straight comedy that's not funny. It's has to be a wonder to them all why we don't lose it. #mental #streetsmarts wallstsmarts.com
Wow. Have NEVER heard of Seneca Village. It must have been such a beautiful and hopeful start to a new community. So sad and so typical that they were “removed”. My question is how they got themselves free to begin so many years before emancipation proclamation ? I’d love to learn more about the original settlers. Thank you so much Danita for bringing this important story to light!!