Joseph Rodman Drake Park & Enslaved African Burial Ground

Joseph Rodman Drake Park & Enslaved African Burial Ground, located at Drake Park South & Hunts Point Ave, Bronx, NY 10474, USA, is a truly unique and historically significant destination within the vibrant Hunts Point neighborhood of the Bronx. This 2.49-acre park, managed by NYC Parks, serves not only as a green respite in an industrial area but also as a powerful tangible link to the complex colonial history of New York City, encompassing both early settler families and the enslaved Africans and Indigenous people who contributed to the area's development.

The park's environment offers a peaceful and contemplative escape. Despite its location amidst an industrial section of Hunts Point, the park provides a sense of tranquility and natural beauty that can be enjoyed in all four seasons. Visitors often describe it as a "beautiful little historical park" and a "super peaceful and beautiful spot." It features a central cemetery, the historic Hunt-Willett-Leggett cemetery, which houses the grave of its namesake, the celebrated 19th-century poet Joseph Rodman Drake. Born in 1795 and a distant descendant of Sir Francis Drake, Joseph Rodman Drake passed away at just 25 years old from tuberculosis and was laid to rest in this family burial ground. More than 40 markers, some dating back to the early 18th century, bear the names of families crucial to the settlement and development of the Bronx. The park was specifically established in the early 20th century to preserve Drake's grave and the family cemetery from urban development, and this historic cemetery remains a dominant visual feature of the park today. While some historical reviews mention a lack of seating, the park provides a quiet atmosphere conducive to reflection.

Crucially, Joseph Rodman Drake Park & Enslaved African Burial Ground also holds profound significance as the site of a long-forgotten burial ground for enslaved Africans and Indigenous people. This separate burial ground, located just south of the family cemetery, reflects a common, yet often overlooked, historical arrangement in colonial New York. For centuries, the burials of enslaved individuals were unmarked and their stories largely erased. Recent research and community advocacy have brought this critical aspect of the park's history to light, leading to its official renaming in 2021 and the installation of new signage to honor those buried there. While no visible markers remain for these burials, and records documenting their names are scarce, archaeological studies have confirmed the presence of human remains. This designation and recognition serve as a powerful reminder of the enslaved people who were central to the area's early economy and development from colonial times until the abolition of slavery in New York State in 1827.

Services and features within the park are primarily focused on providing a contemplative and historically rich experience. There is a "nice little walking path" that allows for exercise and exploration of the site. The presence of the two distinct burial grounds, one for the enslavers and one for the enslaved, creates a unique historical narrative for visitors to engage with. The park's purpose as a scenic spot is to offer a direct connection to the past, allowing visitors to learn about the lives and contributions of all individuals who shaped this corner of New York City. Educational signage has been installed to explain the park's dual history, inviting reflection and remembrance. This focus on historical interpretation and preservation is a key service of the park, providing an invaluable educational resource for local users and beyond. While the park does not offer commercial goods for sale on-site, its primary "service" is the provision of a free and accessible historical and environmental amenity to the community, serving as a landmark that ensures this complex history is preserved and protected for future generations.

From a promotional perspective, Joseph Rodman Drake Park & Enslaved African Burial Ground is a compelling destination for those interested in local history, cultural heritage, and peaceful green spaces. Its unique status as one of the few remaining public sites in New York City with a visibly maintained colonial family cemetery alongside an acknowledged, albeit unmarked, enslaved people's burial ground, makes it a significant site for historical study and remembrance. The park serves as an "oasis with venerable trees" within an industrial landscape, offering a pastoral beauty that belies its urban surroundings. The recognition of the enslaved African and Indigenous burial ground is a testament to ongoing efforts to tell a more complete and inclusive history of New York City. Visitors are encouraged to explore this solemn and historically rich site, to reflect on the stories it holds, and to appreciate the enduring connection it provides to the origins of the Bronx. Its phone number, (212) 639-9675, and mobile phone, +1 212-639-9675, are available for inquiries. As a "Scenic Spot," the park offers an enriching experience that combines natural beauty with profound historical insights, making it a valuable asset for the community and a significant landmark for the city.

Joseph Rodman Drake Park & Enslaved African Burial Ground

Drake Park South &, Hunts Point Ave, Bronx, NY 10474, USA