Seaport in Manhattan in New York County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Urban Archeology
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Then and Now
Photographed by Larry Gertner, April 19, 2019
1. Urban Archeology/Then and Now Marker
Urban Archeology
Did you know that there are archeological sites right here in New York City? Pieces of our citys history are hidden under our feet beneath streets, parks, and parking lots.
Under this playground, archeologists found wooden wharves (or docks) built over 200 years ago and many artifacts (objects) from our citys past. The place where youre standing used to be filled with water.
Then and Now
Artifacts are clues that help us learn about people from the past. If archeologists found your shoe 100 years from now, what would they learn about you?
The artifacts in the left-hand column below were found here. Which of the present-day images on the right match up with them?
Erected by NYC Parks.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Waterways & Vessels.
Location. 40° 42.362′ N, 74° 0.226′ W. Marker is in Manhattan, New York, in New York County. It is in Seaport. It is on Burling Slip near South Street, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Imagination Playground, New York NY 10038, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in New York City. It is also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker
this page online
Another marker is no longer nearby. Peking (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed).
Photographed by Larry Gertner, April 19, 2019
2. Imagination Playground
Original structures still line the Burling Slip site.
Photographed by Larry Gertner, April 19, 2019
3. Urban Archeology/Then and Now Marker site
Imagination Playground atop the site of Burling Slip
Photographed by Larry Gertner, April 19, 2019
4. South Street Seaport Historic District streetsigns
Photographed by Larry Gertner, April 19, 2019
5. Inset
Ships used to tie up along wooden walls like this one to load and unload cargo back, when this area was a busy docking place called Burling Slip.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 17, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 27, 2019, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 275 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on May 27, 2019, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
