Before Central Park became New York City’s urban oasis, the area along what is now West 82nd to West 89th Street was home to Seneca Village, a thriving community predominantly inhabited by African-Americans. Founded in 1825, this settlement offered a refuge from the crowded and unhealthy conditions of downtown Manhattan. However, by 1857, Seneca Village was destroyed to make way for Central Park, marking a significant chapter in New York City’s history.
This article delves into the formation, growth, and eventual destruction of Seneca Village, and sheds light on why the community was wiped out to create the city’s most famous green space.
Seneca Village
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| Seneca Village Map |
The Formation of Seneca Village
Seneca Village (Wikipedia) began in 1825 when landowners John and Elizabeth Whitehead subdivided their property, selling 200 lots. The first African-American landowner in the area was Andrew Williams, a 25-year-old shoeshiner, who purchased three lots for $125. Shortly after, Epiphany Davis, a store clerk, bought 12 lots, and the AME Zion Church acquired six lots. The community began to flourish from there.
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| The Wilson House Source: Flicker |
By the early 1830s, the area had around 10 homes and continued to grow. By the mid-1850s, Seneca Village was home to 225 residents, comprised of roughly two-thirds African-Americans, a third Irish immigrants, and a small number of German immigrants.
A Thriving Community for African-Americans
Seneca Village was unique for its time, offering African-Americans the rare opportunity to own property and escape the pervasive racial discrimination of downtown Manhattan. In 1827, New York State abolished slavery, but African-Americans still faced significant prejudice. Seneca Village, located away from the congested parts of the city, became a sanctuary for them.
The residents of Seneca Village were generally more prosperous and stable compared to other African-Americans in New York City at the time. Approximately half of the residents owned their homes by 1855, and property ownership gave them the right to vote under New York State law, which required African-American men to own at least $250 in property to be eligible. Ten of the 100 African-American voters in New York City in 1845 lived in Seneca Village.
Misconceptions About Seneca Village
Contrary to mid-19th century perceptions, the residents of Seneca Village were not poor squatters living in shanties. While some families lived in modest homes, many residents lived in two-story houses. Census records indicate that most residents were employed, with African-Americans primarily working as laborers and in service jobs, while their children attended school.
The community also had gardens, raised livestock, and sourced water from Tanner’s Spring, while fishing opportunities were provided by the nearby Hudson River. By the mid-1850s, Seneca Village had 50 homes, three churches, burial grounds, and even a school for African-American children.
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| All Angels' Church Source: Flicker |
Why Was Seneca Village Destroyed?
In the early 1850s, the city began planning for a large public park to improve urban conditions. The goal was to create a recreational space that could alleviate the unhealthful environment of downtown Manhattan. The New York State Legislature enacted a law in 1853 that designated 775 acres of land—from 59th to 106th Streets, between Fifth and Eighth Avenues—for the creation of what would become Central Park.
The land that Seneca Village occupied was acquired through eminent domain, a legal process that allows the government to take private property for public use, provided that the landowners receive compensation. Although the residents were compensated for their properties, many argued that their land was undervalued.
The destruction of Seneca Village displaced approximately 1,600 residents across the designated park area, and by 1857, the entire community was forced to leave. Research is ongoing to discover where the residents of Seneca Village relocated, though some are believed to have moved to nearby African-American communities, such as Sandy Ground in Staten Island and Skunk Hollow in New Jersey.
Discovering the Legacy of Seneca Village
Despite its destruction, Seneca Village remains an essential part of New York City’s history. In 2011, a team of archaeologists from Columbia University and The City University of New York conducted a dig at the site. They uncovered artifacts such as an iron tea kettle, a stoneware beer bottle, a roasting pan, and a small child’s shoe, offering a glimpse into the everyday lives of the village’s residents.
Though Seneca Village only existed for 32 years, it was a tight-knit, stable, and autonomous community that provided an empowering environment for African-Americans at a time of racial inequality. Its destruction to make way for Central Park is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices that were made to create New York City’s landmark park.
Conclusion
The history of Seneca Village is a story of resilience, community, and displacement. While the creation of Central Park has become one of the most celebrated achievements in urban planning, it also came at the cost of destroying a thriving African-American community. Understanding the legacy of Seneca Village gives us deeper insight into the complex history of New York City and the people who helped shape it.
