Learn about an important part of New York City's past that was forgotten until recent archaeological discoveries in lower Manhattan. The African Burial Ground National Monument includes a visitor center with exhibits honoring the thousands of slaves who helped build the island of Manhattan in the 17th and 18th centuries. The monument memorializes an estimated 20,000 free and enslaved Africans buried on 6.6 acres; the burial ground was found when work began on a federal building in 1991. The monument includes a black granite memorial surrounded by seven raised mounds. The visitor center, in the federal building, has exhibits that explain the lives of slaves and the archaeological finds. If it's your first trip to New York City, you'll find plenty to engage your interest at this site as well as other national icons, many of which are nearby.
RVing is a convenient and enjoyable way to travel to parks and sites around the country, and New York City is no exception. RVshare has a variety of vehicles to rent in whatever size and capacity you need for comfortable travel. Several scenic campsites are close enough to lower Manhattan that you can visit the city with a short bus or train ride.
Tour both the outdoor memorial and the indoor visitor center to learn about the lives of the slaves and how they helped build New York City. The visitor center is home to permanent exhibits and special events. Many artifacts were found during excavation at the 290 Broadway block. You can also learn about the history of the memorial itself and how civic engagement helped it come into being. Food and drinks are not allowed at the memorial site, but several restaurant options are nearby.
Hiking Trails
SightseeingThe center, which is free to visit, encompasses several buildings, including the Freedom Tower and the 9/11 Memorial. The Freedom Tower (its official name is One World Observatory) is the tallest skyscraper in the Western Hemisphere; tickets are required for the observatory.
Lower Manhattan between Liberty, Barclay and Church streets
You may want to reserve a separate day for this visit so you can spend plenty of time on each area. Guided tours are available, and ticket prices vary.
Statue of Liberty National Monument, New York, 10004
This Episcopal church, which dates to the 17th century, was the tallest in the United States until the middle of the 19th century. Today's building is the third on the site; the first two were destroyed by fire and heavy snowstorms.
89 Broadway, New York, NY 10006
MuseumsThe Seaport District contains the South Street Seaport Museum, a great place for children, with six historic ships to explore. Besides the museum, the District also has various shops and restaurants as well as the Rooftop at Pier 17 concert venue.
12 Fulton St, New York, NY 10038
A great place for all fans of architecture as well as those fascinated by skyscrapers, this museum pays tribute to the tall buildings the city is famous for.
39 Battery Pl, New York, NY 10280
To learn about the immigrant experience in this melting pot of a metropolis, visit this Lower East Side museum. It includes restored apartments, a shop tour and a re-creation of a German beer garden.
103 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002
Nearby Shops and RestaurantsThis stop on the African-American Freedom Trail has a full menu along with a museum and lectures. Samuel Fraunces, the first tavern owner, was a free man of African and West Indian descent. The tavern was the site of several historic milestones during the Revolutionary War. Today, you can dine on modern fare including steaks, seafood and burgers.
54 Pearl St, New York, NY 10004
Get quick and filling comfort soups and sandwiches at this chain. They also serve salads, desserts and shakes.
280 Broadway, The Sun Building, New York, NY 10007
Pick up last-minute sundries and snacks at this convenience store.
290 Broadway, Ted Weiss Federal Building, New York, NY 10007
This shopping center sits along the Hudson River right across from the WTC complex. Stores include Gucci, Peloton, Rite Aid and Tory Burch.
230 Vesey St, New York, NY 10281
The monument is at 290 Broadway on the first floor of the Ted Weiss Federal Building in lower Manhattan. The outside memorial is at African Burial Ground Way (formerly Elk Street) and Duane Street. The National Park Service does not recommend driving; the sites are easily accessible by public transportation, including several subway lines, so keep your RV parked at your campsite. The monument's hours are 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
290 Broadway, New York, NY 10007
Fee: Entry fee $0
A visit to the African Burial Ground National Monument can be both educational and inspirational, sharing pieces of New York City's history you might not have been aware of. If you make lower Manhattan part of your RV travel plans, you'll be able to follow your day in the city with a relaxing retreat in nature wherever you've parked your recreational vehicle whether at a state park, campground or beach.
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