The lost neighborhood under New York's Central Park
Vox・6 minutes read
Central Park in NYC was built on the land of Seneca Village, a thriving black community that provided affordable housing and voting opportunities to its residents. Despite being a wealthier neighborhood than expected, Seneca Village was demolished to make way for the park, underscoring the impact of development on communities and the importance of honoring historical narratives.
Insights
- Seneca Village in New York City was a vibrant community of black property owners forcibly displaced to make way for Central Park, showcasing the impact of urban development on marginalized groups and the erasure of historical narratives.
- Archaeological findings revealed Seneca Village's wealth and diversity, challenging assumptions and emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and preserving the stories of overlooked communities like Seneca Village in understanding our shared history.
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Recent questions
What was Seneca Village?
A community of black property owners in NYC.
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Summary
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Seneca Village: Black Community Lost to Progress
- Central Park in New York City was built on the land of Seneca Village, a community of black property owners that was forcibly removed to make way for the park.
- Seneca Village was established between 82nd and 89th Street, offering black families an affordable, safe place to live and the opportunity to vote.
- The community grew to nearly 300 residents, including laborers, domestic workers, and shoemakers, and was later integrated with Irish and German immigrants.
- Archaeological excavations in Seneca Village revealed that it was a wealthier community than previously assumed, with artifacts indicating a working and middle-class neighborhood.
- Despite its historical significance, Seneca Village was destroyed to create Central Park, highlighting the impact of land development on communities and the importance of recognizing and preserving historical narratives.
