Harlem African Burial Ground, Historic burial ground in East Harlem, United States
The Harlem African Burial Ground is a roughly 2.7-acre site at 126th Street and 2nd Avenue where African people were buried during colonial times. The location contains physical remains from this historical cemetery and is now the focus of archaeological and cultural preservation efforts.
This ground began in 1660 when Dutch settlers created a burial area next to their church for African residents. Over the colonial period, it became a place that marked the early African presence in Manhattan.
This site holds deep meaning for the African American community as a place that honors the memory of early African residents of New York. Visitors can connect with the spiritual practices that were evident in how people were buried here.
The site is accessible by foot and public transit in the eastern Harlem neighborhood. Access is straightforward, and visitors should know this is a historical location with limited facilities on-site.
Archaeological finds revealed that burials blended African traditions with local new practices, visible through ritual beads and shells placed with the remains. This cultural mixing in the graves tells the story of early Africans adapting their customs to their new home.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
