IMPERILED AFRICAN BURIAL SITE BECOMES HISTORIC DISTRICT

From District Lines, Vol. 8, No.1 (Spring 1993)

Recognizing the recent discovery in Manhattan of one of the few 18th-century sites containing remains of Africans in the Western Hemisphere, the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission voted unanimously on February 25th, 1993, to designate the African Burial Ground and the Commons Historic District.

The burial ground, virtually unknown until 22 months before designation, was given protection a mere six months after public hearings, reflecting the urgency caused by threats to the site, including construction of a Federal office building and digging done by Con Edison that unearthed remains indicating the size of the burial ground is larger than originally thought. In response to the utility's activity, the LPC is searching for what may be other sensitive archaeological zones within the new historic district and will place special restrictions on them.

The designated area, unanimously confirmed by the City Council on June 2, 1993, encompasses City Hall Park and the blocks bounded by Chambers Street, Broadway, Duane Street, Foley Square (in part), and Centre Street. 'The Commons portion of the new historic district, the city's 59th, is a remnant of the common land established by the Dutch colonial authorities. This area was transformed into the seat of local government with the construction of City Hall in 1803 and, in 1870, into City Hall Park.

Landmarks Commissioner William E. Davis Jr. extolled the designation as a &memorial to a people who came to America in bondage, rather than by choice, and who lived, died, and were buried within their community, which has been largely unrecognized until now in historical studies of the colonial world."

Viewing the site, Councilwoman Mary Pinkert expressed delight at the designation and declared, "You can't walk over the bodies of our African ancestors any more."

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