Central Park West Historic District in Manhattan in New York County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Discover Seneca Village
Photographed By Larry Gertner, June 17, 2020
1. Discover Seneca Village wayside
Between 1825 and 1857, before the city built Central Park, this area was the location of Seneca Village – a community composed predominantly of African Americans, many of whom owned property. This was the most densely settled section of the acreage slated for Central Park; by 1855 the community numbered approximately 225 and had 52 homes and three churches.
Explore the history, community and landscape of Seneca Village in a series of interpretative signs. Begin at the information kiosk, then visit the sixteen signs throughout the area, in the order suggested. Download or photograph a map of the signs here to pick up a brochure at one of our visitor centers.
Central Park Conservancy
Erected 2020 by Central Park Conservancy.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Parks & Recreational Areas • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1825.
Location. 40° 47.071′ N, 73° 58.181′ W. Marker is in Manhattan, New York, in New York County. It is in the Central Park West Historic District. Marker is on West 85th Street near Central Park West, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Central Park, New York NY 10024, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within
this page online
More about this marker. An identical wayside can be found to the east, near the Arthur Ross Pinetum.
Also see . . .
1. Seneca Village. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on April 14, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
2. Seneca Village Site. Central Park Conservancy entry:
Links to several related sub-topics (Submitted on April 14, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
3. Seneca Village, New York City. National Park Service entry (Submitted on April 14, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed By Larry Gertner, June 17, 2020
2. Map Key:
1 – AME Zion Church; 2 – African Union Church; 3 – The Wilson House; 4 – All Angels Church; 5 – Irish Americans; 6 - Summit Rock; 7 – Lanes, Lots, and Streets; 8 – Housing; 9 – Tanner’s Spring; 10 – Receiving Reservoir; 11 – Livelihoods; 12 – Geology; 13 – Reservoir Keepers; 14 – Downtown Connections; 15 – Andrew Williams; 16 – Gardens
via New York City Municipal Archives, unknown
3. Detail of map of the pre-Central Park landscape showing the area of Seneca Village.
Summit Rock, center left, can be used for orientation on the current site map.
Photographed By Larry Gertner, June 17, 2020
4. Discover Seneca Village wayside site
Credits. This page was last revised on January 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 14, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 300 times since then and 48 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 14, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.
