Central Park West Historic District in Manhattan in New York County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Wilson House
Seneca Village Community
Photographed By Larry Gertner, June 17, 2020
1. The Wilson House Marker
Near this sign and adjacent to All Angels’ Church was the home pf the Wilsons, an African-American family consisting of William Wilson, his wife, Charlotte, and their eight children. Wilson worked as a porter and was also a sexton for the church, responsible for maintaining the building and a yard. Archaeological investigations conducted at the site of the Wilson house uncovered numerous artifacts, remnants of both domestic objects and architectural features. These artifacts allow researchers to imaging the lives of the Wilsons and contribute to the understanding of Seneca Village as a largely middle-class community
A large number of artifacts were discovered within the buried ruins of the Wilson house in part because of how it was demolished. Those clearing the land for the park removed all the above-ground structures, often recycling the wood. In the case of the Wilson house, they appear to have collapsed the rest of the building, including the chimney and roofing materials, and covered it with soil. In the process, abandoned or broken objects and objects were buried underground.
Erected 2020 by Central Park Conservancy.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Parks & Recreational Areas
this page online
Location. 40° 47.046′ N, 73° 58.126′ W. Marker is in Manhattan, New York, in New York County. It is in the Central Park West Historic District. Marker can be reached from West 85th Street east of Central Park West. 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 walking distance of this marker. Searching for Seneca Village (a few steps from this marker); All Angels’ Church (a few steps from this marker); Seneca Village Community (a few steps from this marker); Seneca Village Landscape (a few steps from this marker); Seneca Village (within shouting distance of this marker); African Union Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Gardens (within shouting distance of this marker); AME Zion Church (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manhattan.
Also see . . .
1. Seneca Village. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on April 21, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
2. Seneca Village Site. Central Park Conservancy website entry:
Links to several related sub-topics (Submitted on April 21, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
3. Seneca Village, New York City. National Park Service entry (Submitted on April 21, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed By Larry Gertner, June 17, 2020
2. The Wilson House Marker and site
Like most Seneca Village sites, there are no physical remains or representations to be had.
Photographed By Larry Gertner, June 17, 2020
3. Inset
In 2011, archeologists conducted excavations on the site of the Wilson house, a three-story building whose approximate footprint, 21 x 20 feet, is shown here outlined with bricks.
Photographed By Larry Gertner, June 17, 2020
4. Inset
This photograph shows the brick rubble believed to be part of the chimney and hearth of the Wilson house. Based on the discovery of other architectural materials, Researchers speculate that the house also had a stone foundation, wooden floors, glass windows, and a metal roof.
Photographed By Larry Gertner, June 17, 2020
5. Inset
Some of the artifacts discovered during excavation of the Wilson house suggest that the family was able to purchase more than the bare necessities and were concerned with appearances. Clockwise from top: fragment of the stem of a goblet; stoneware jar lid; bone toothbrush handle; fragment of Chinese porcelain.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 21, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 430 times since then and 75 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on April 21, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.
