Mystic in Stonington in New London County, Connecticut — The American Northeast (New England)
Thomas Downing, Oyster King
The Sea Connects Us
— Mystic Seaport Museum —
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones, June 24, 2023
1. Thomas Downing, Oyster King Marker
Inscription.
Thomas Downing, Oyster King. The Sea Connects Us. 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.
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.
Location. 41° 21.658′ N, 71° 57.928′ W. Marker is in Stonington, Connecticut, in New London County. It is in Mystic. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Greenmanville 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.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 27, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 27, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 88 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on June 27, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
