Mystic in Stonington in Southeastern Region, Connecticut — The American Northeast (New England)

Thomas Downing, Oyster King

The Sea Connects Us

— Mystic Seaport Museum —

Thomas Downing, Oyster King Marker image. Click for full size.

By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), June 24, 2023

1. Thomas Downing, Oyster King Marker

Inscription. During the era of slavery, African Americans played a major role in oystering. Thomas Downing, a notable abolitionist who was the "Oyster King" of New York City, built an empire out of an oyster bar. He made his fortune in oysters as an entrepreneur, restaurateur, and caterer, which was exceptional for a Black man during this era. In the 1800s, oyster bars, known as oyster cellars, were often owned and operated by African Americans. Thomas Downing's upscale oyster bar was located at 5 Broad Street, in the heart of the business district. Downing's Oyster House catered to bankers, lawyers, attorneys, wall street brokers and politicians and was a stop on the Underground Railroad.

Erected 2022 by Mystic Seaport Museum.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • African Americans • Animals • Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1860.

Location. 41° 21.658′ N, 71° 57.928′ W. Marker is in Stonington in Southeastern Region, Connecticut. It is in Mystic. It can be reached from the intersection of Greenmanville

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Avenue (Route 27) and Bruggeman Place, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 75 Greenmanville Avenue, Mystic CT 06355, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on the Connecticut Shoreline,

in Greater New London, in Mystic and the Eastern Shore,

and in the Thames River Valley.

It is also in the American Northeast,

in New England,

and on the Eastern Seaboard. 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 London County

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: It's All Connected (a few steps from this marker); Noank Well-Smack Emma C. Berry (a few steps from this marker); Lobster Car (a few steps from this marker); Noank Well-Smack Emma C. Berry (a few steps from this marker); Master Shipbuilders (within shouting distance of this marker); Western-Rig Dragger Florence (within shouting distance of this marker); Maine Sloop Boat Estella A

By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), June 24, 2023

2. Thomas Downing, Oyster King Marker

(within shouting distance of this marker); Gerda III (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Stonington.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Western-Rig Dragger Florence (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Credits. This page was last revised on May 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 27, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 495 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 27, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.