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Seaport in Manhattan in New York County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
 

America's Emporium

South Street Seaport Museum

— Where New York Begins. —

 
 
America's Emporium Marker image. Click for full size.
By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), July 13, 2023
1. America's Emporium Marker
Inscription. New York is a great world trading hub because of its superior harbor. Two hundred years ago, merchants made the city the chief world supplier of cotton from the American South, sugar from the Caribbean, and—thanks to the Erie Canal, which opened in 1825—agricultural products from the American Midwest. Prosperity followed, but cotton and sugar trading tied the city to the immoral enslavement of Black men, women, and children throughout the Americas. After the Civil War (1861-65), New York grew to become the busiest harbor in the world. Today, when 90% of the world's trade is still carried in ships, New York harbor ranks twenty-third.
 
Erected by South Street Seaport Museum.
 
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African AmericansIndustry & CommerceWaterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Erie Canal series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1825.
 
Location. 40° 42.342′ N, 74° 0.188′ W. Marker is in Manhattan, New York, in New York County. It is in Seaport. It is on East River Greenway east of John Street, on the right when traveling east. The marker can be found on Pier 16. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 81 South Street, 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
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are within walking distance of this marker: Wall Street Exists Because of the Seaport (here, next to this marker); South Street's Markets (a few steps from this marker); High Water Mark (a few steps from this marker); Forecastle Head (a few steps from this marker); Ambrose (a few steps from this marker); Wavertree (a few steps from this marker); Capstan (a few steps from this marker); Cargo Hatches (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manhattan.
 
Another marker is no longer nearby. Peking (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently removed).
 
Additional keywords. enslaved labor
 
America's Emporium Marker image. Click for full size.
By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), July 13, 2023
2. America's Emporium Marker
 
 
Credits. This page was last revised on July 17, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 17, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 159 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos:   1, 2. submitted on July 17, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
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Jun. 6, 2026