What were the lives like of those buried in the African Burial Ground? Then and now New Amsterdam to New York City

Early Settlers When the Dutch colonized they encountered a man named Juan Rodrigues (of African descent) who sold them goods that helped them explore. When the Dutch colonized they encountered a man named Juan Rodrigues (of African descent) who sold them goods that helped them explore. The Lenape Indians had many settlements in the area. The Lenape Indians had many settlements in the area.

New Amsterdam 1623 – 1664

Slave Auctions New Amsterdam Slave Market 1655 Wall Street Slave Market

New York 1664 – Dutch surrendered to the British New Amsterdam becomes New York 1776 – Colonists declare independence from England (British) 1827 – New York abolishes new slavery 1844 – last slave is freed in New York City 1861 – Civil War begins 1991 – African Burial Ground is unearthed

African rights Dutch (New Amsterdam) British (New York) Could go to Court No rights in court Occassionally granted ½ freedom No ½ freedom Free Blacks could own property No more than 12 blacks could attend a funeral

African Burial Ground

Burial Ground Used between 1690s and 1790s Used between 1690s and 1790s 6.6 acres 6.6 acres Negroes Burial Ground, according to early maps Negroes Burial Ground, according to early maps 15,000 – 20,000 free and enslaved Africans are buried 15,000 – 20,000 free and enslaved Africans are buried

“For all those who were lost For all those who were stolen For all those who were left behind For all those who are not forgotten.”