In 1991, construction work for a 34-story office building in Lower Manhattan uncovered a significant and previously unknown historic site: the remains of approximately 15,000 Africans, many of whom were enslaved during the city’s early development. Located more than 20 feet below the surface, this burial ground has been recognized by the National Park Service as the oldest and largest excavated African burial site in North America, dating back to the 1630s.

The discovery transformed historical understanding of slavery in New York, revealing the vast presence and impact of enslaved Africans in the region. By the early 18th century, nearly 40 percent of New York households owned enslaved people, a fact often overlooked in broader narratives about slavery in the United States. Slavery persisted in New York until 1827, more than five decades after the Revolutionary War had begun.

Michael L. Blakey, an anthropology professor at the College of William and Mary who directed the research project at the site, emphasized that slavery was intrinsic to colonial systems in both the northern and southern colonies. He highlighted that the burial ground not only underscores this history but also symbolizes the humanity and dignity of those buried there. One poignant example cited by Blakey involves the burial of a child accompanied by a silver earring, an item suggesting personal value and care despite impoverished circumstances.

Following widespread protests aimed at halting further construction, a burial ceremony was conducted at the site in 2003. This was followed three years later by the designation of the site as a national monument, solidifying its status as a meaningful memorial to the lives of enslaved Africans in early New York.

The African Burial Ground remains a powerful reminder of the country’s complex and often painful origins, shedding light on the deep inequalities and inhumane conditions endured by enslaved individuals. Some historians also regard the site as one of the earliest institutions controlled by Black people in New York, reflecting a form of self-determination amid oppression.

In recent years, concerns have arisen over efforts to downplay or remove educational exhibits about slavery. For instance, earlier this year, the National Park Service took down a display referencing George Washington’s ownership of enslaved people, following an executive order from President Donald Trump’s administration. Blakey criticized such actions as attempts to obscure uncomfortable historical truths. He asserted that the excavation and research at the African Burial Ground provide tangible evidence that challenges past omissions and distortions, helping to confront and understand the full scope of the nation’s history.