Photo is of the Ross Pinetum, where Seneca Village was partially located.
A brief look at the history of Seneca Village: the first significant community of African American property owners in Manhattan.
Seneca Village existed from 1825 to 1857, before Central Park was created, in the area spanning from 82nd to 89th Streets between Seventh and Eighth Avenues. This community, which was about two-thirds African American and one-third Irish immigrant, saw nearly half of its residents owning their homes, a unique circumstance for African Americans in 19th-century New York.
Founded when the original landowners subdivided their land and sold the first 21 lots to two enterprising African Americans and a church, Seneca Village served as a haven and a refuge from the discrimination that was still rampant in New York City. It also offered significant opportunities for African American men in terms of property ownership and voting rights.
In 1857, the City of New York acquired all five acres of Seneca Village through eminent domain as part of 700+ acre urban planning initiative. By reclaiming the land for public use, city leaders aimed to provide a refuge for all citizens amidst the challenges of rapid population increase and a lack of recreational space. However, this initiative came at a significant cost, as it led to the displacement of existing communities, including Seneca Village, highlighting the complex interplay between urban development and social equity.
After its destruction, the public memory of Seneca Village was forgotten for over a century. Then in 1998, the Seneca Village Project was formed to raise awareness about Seneca Village's significance as a free, middle-class African American and Irish-immigrant community.
Numerous tests, digs and excavations have taken place since 2005, successfully locating traces of Seneca Village and putting the pieces together.
Ongoing research is still underway to determine where Seneca Village residents may have relocated to and to shed more light on its significance within the context of 19th-century America.
Next time you find yourself in the area, take a moment to reflect on the strength of Seneca Village's residents and their quest for community and recognition.