SENECA VILLAGE

Did you know that New York City's beloved Central Park was once home to a thriving homestead called Seneca Village?

In the early 19th century, Seneca Village was a prosperous community predominantly made up of African American landowners. Established in 1825 by Andrew Williams, an enterprising 25-year-old African American shoe shiner who bought three large lots for $125, the village stretched from what is now 82nd Street to 89th Street.

Seneca Village offered a rare opportunity for African Americans to own land and property at a time when such opportunities were scarce. By 1855, the village had grown to include over 50 homes, three churches, a school, and several cemeteries. Owning property in New York State before the Civil War not only provided economic stability, but also gave African American men the right to vote, which added a layer of political significance to the community.

Many residents lived in two-story homes and had beautiful gardens and yards, providing a relatively high quality of life. The village was known for its vibrant community spirit and was a place where African Americans could escape the overcrowded and often discriminatory conditions of downtown Manhattan.

But you probably have a hunch what happens in this story, as the existence of Seneca Village came to an abrupt end. In 1853, the New York State legislature authorized the use of eminent domain to acquire the land for the creation of Central Park. Despite protests and legal battles, the residents were evicted, and their homes were razed. By 1857, the village had been completely demolished without a trace, and the development of Central Park proceeded. The story of Seneca Village faded into obscurity, overshadowed by the story of the Park.

The story of Seneca Village juxtaposes the triumph of urban planning with the harsh realities of racial injustice, and archaeologists and historians today are working to uncover and preserve the legacy of this lost community. The creation of Central Park, a celebrated public space, came at the expense of a thriving, self-sufficient community of African American landowners who were forcibly removed and largely forgotten. As we enjoy the beauty and serenity of Central Park today, it's important to reflect on the complex and often painful histories that underpin its existence. Recognizing and honoring the legacy of Seneca Village allows all New Yorkers to confront past injustices and hopefully helps foster a deeper, more inclusive understanding of our shared history.