Civic Center in Manhattan in New York County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Changing Landscape Obscures the Past
Photographed By Larry Gertner, October 10, 2011
1. Changing Landscapes Marker
The African Burial Ground was labeled “Negros Buriel Ground” on the 1755 map at the right. Colonial New York laws banned African funerals in officially consecrated graveyards, prohibited gatherings of large numbers of enslaved Africans, and decreed that funeral had to be held during daylight. Nonetheless, Africans and their descendants held burial ceremonies in a cemetery outside the city wall, near a ravine. As New York City expanded northeast, the burial ground was closed in 1794 and eventually divided into lots for sale. The land was filled in and buildings were constructed on top. For almost two centuries, New York City’s growth obscured the graves, and the African Burial Ground was nearly forgotten.
Erected by National Park Service/U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Colonial Era. A significant historical year for this entry is 1755.
Location. 40° 42.861′ N, 74° 0.253′ W. Marker is in Manhattan, New York, in New York County. It is in Civic Center. Marker is on Elk Street near Duane Street, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: New York NY 10007, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker
this page online
More about this marker. Elk Street and this stretch of Duane Street has been closed to automobile through traffic since 9/11.
Regarding Changing Landscape Obscures the Past. The monument is listed in the "AIA (American Institute of Architects) Guide to New York City, Fifth Edition".
Photographed By Larry Gertner, February 15, 2019
2. Changing Landscape Obscures the Past Marker
The marker is the one closest to the camera.
Photographed By Larry Gertner, October 10, 2011
3. Inset
Map section. The burial ground is outside the palisade and left of the Collect Pond.
Photographed By Larry Gertner, October 10, 2011
4. Inset
Archeological layers
Photographed By Larry Gertner, October 10, 2011
5. Nation Park Service marker
"Sacred Ground"
Credits. This page was last revised on January 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 16, 2019, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 173 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on February 16, 2019, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
