Themes in American History

Located at the corners of Duane and Elk Streets in lower Manhattan, the African Burial Ground was discovered in 1991 when during excavation work for a new federal office building, workers discovered the skeletal remains of the first of more than 400 men, women and children. With much persuasion from civil rights groups, the site was developed into a memorial and declared a historical landmark. A museum was later erected to tell the stories of the slaves buried at the ground, and also show pictures of the skeletal remains of the slaves. Research shows that nearly half of the skeletons are of individuals age 12 and under. Virtually all lived hard lives, as evinced by the many bone fractures characteristic of a life spent hauling heavy loads.

Birdseye view of Memorial from Wikipedia

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