Ocean Hill in Brooklyn in Kings County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Weeksville
Weeksville Playground
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), March 9, 2024
Weeksville Playground is named for the historically significant community of Weeksville. Founded in 1838, eleven years after slavery ended in New York State, Weeksville was a long-lasting and thriving community of self-sufficient free African American landowners in what is today Crown Heights and Bedford Stuyvesant. The community took its name after James Weeks, who purchased his first plot of land in 1838 and became one of the communities' largest property owners. Over time Weeksville became both a safe haven and a refuge from violence and oppression and a place for African people throughout the diaspora to seek political, economic, and cultural independence. By 1850 it had become the second largest community for free men and women in pre-Civil War America.
Weeksville as known for self-sufficiency and included doctors, professionals, and entrepreneurs. It was one of the few communities in which free people of color could independently practice their profession in New York City. Residents established schools, sports clubs, benevolent associations, an elderly home and an orphanage among other enterprises.
The community of Weeksville allowed for political and intellectual freedom and was an important site for abolitionist action. During the Manhattan Draft Riots of 1863, when mobs of white men and women attacked and killed African women and men in downtown Manhattan, Weeksville became a refuge for those fleeing the violence. Community members participated in anti-slavery actions and, after abolition, promoted equal rights for free men and women through voting rights campaigns and influential publications. By the post-Civil War era, Weeksville had become an emblem of community empowerment and racial pride.
Due to 20th century demographic changes and large-scale construction projects, the strong community identity that had formed in Weeksville over the previous 100 years gradually faded. By the 1950s, the community of Weeksville was almost completely forgotten. In 1968, the rediscovery of Weeksville began when historian James Hurley and pilot Joseph Haynes, along with a dedicated group of researchers, teachers, students, leaders, youth, and volunteers of the community, worked together to document the history of Weeksville and the homes now known as the Historic Hunterfly Road Houses.
The Historic Hunterfly Road Houses are some of the only existing remnants of 19th century Weeksville. As a result of strong community advocacy and the leadership and dedication of Dr. Joan Maynard, the houses were preserved and landmarked in 1970. Today the Historic Hunterfly Road Houses have been fully restored and are open to the public at the Weeksville Heritage Center. Located at the
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), March 9, 2024
Erected by NYC Parks. (Marker Number 301.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Notable Buildings • Parks & Recreational Areas • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the NYC Parks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1838.
Location. 40° 40.629′ N, 73° 55.158′ W. Marker is in Brooklyn, New York, in Kings County. It is in Ocean Hill. Marker is on Howard Avenue just north of Atlantic Avenue, on the left when traveling north. The marker can be found on the fencing on the outside of Weeksville Playground. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 305 Howard Ave, Brooklyn NY 11233, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named Weeksville (a few steps from this marker); Rock of Ages Baptist Church and Social Center, Inc. (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Hilltop Playground (approx. 0.3 miles away); Heaven Bound Church of Christ Holy Temple, Inc. (approx. 0.3 miles away); Marion & Hopkinson Playground (approx. 0.4 miles away); a different marker also named Marion & Hopkinson Playground (approx. 0.4 miles away); New Hope Pentecostal Church of Greater Mt. Zion Inc. (approx. half a mile away); Hull Street Community Garden (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Brooklyn.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. An identical marker can be found inside the park.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 13, 2024. It was originally submitted on March 13, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 33 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 13, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Photos of the Historic Hunterfly Road Houses • Can you help?