African Burial Ground National Monument | New York

Information

Landmark: African Burial Ground National Monument
City: New York
Country: USA New York
Continent: North America

African Burial Ground National Monument, New York, USA New York, North America

The African Burial Ground National Monument is a preserved historic cemetery located in Lower Manhattan, New York City, USA.

It preserves the remains of over 15,000 free and enslaved Africans and African Americans, dating from the colonial era through the early 19th century.

Visual Characteristics

The monument features a circular plaza with a central circular pool. Surrounding the plaza are granite walls and pathways. A large circular sculpture, the "Spirit Gate," is a prominent feature. The site is landscaped with grass and trees. The visitor center is housed in a modern building with a brick facade.

Location & Access Logistics

The African Burial Ground National Monument is situated at 290 Broadway, New York, NY 10007, in Lower Manhattan. It is approximately 1.5 miles south of City Hall. Public transportation is readily available. Subway lines 4, 5, 6, J, Z, and M stop at the nearby City Hall station. Bus lines M1, M2, M3, M5, M15, M20, M21, M22, M55, and M103 also serve the area. Parking is limited in the immediate vicinity; the closest public parking garages are located several blocks away.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The site was established in 1712 as a public burial ground for free and enslaved Africans. It was in use until 1794, when it was closed by the city. The land was later redeveloped, and the existence of the burial ground was largely forgotten until its rediscovery in 1991 during construction for a federal office building. The monument was established in 2006.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can explore the outdoor memorial grounds, including the circular plaza and the Spirit Gate sculpture. The visitor center offers exhibits detailing the history of the site and the lives of the people buried there. Ranger-led talks and tours are available, providing in-depth historical context. The memorial is designed for quiet reflection.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available within the visitor center. Limited shaded areas are present in the outdoor memorial space. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available in the area. No food vendors are located directly at the monument; however, numerous dining options are available within a short walking distance in Lower Manhattan.

Best Time to Visit

The visitor center is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The outdoor memorial grounds are accessible during daylight hours. For optimal lighting for photography of the outdoor memorial, late morning or late afternoon is recommended. Weather is generally most pleasant for outdoor exploration during spring (April-May) and fall (September-October).

Facts & Legends

A unique aspect of the site's rediscovery is the significant number of intact skeletal remains found, which provided invaluable scientific data about the health, diet, and lives of early African New Yorkers. The monument's design incorporates elements intended to honor the spiritual beliefs of the people buried there.