South Street Seaport

Description

In the first half of the 19th century, the South Street Seaport area was the mercantile center of New York City. 4 and 5 story Federal and Greek Revival brick buildings, resting on landfill, served as wholesale stores, warehouses, and counting houses. It is here that city merchants bought and sold the various imports and exports transported by ship to and from the East River harbor. Today, the neighborhood, comprised of Fulton Fish Market, South Street Seaport Museum, and the Schermerhorn Ron, is the only cohesive survival of early New York City's commercial district.

Constructed, 1780

Before the Civil War, around one-third of American sailors were Black, as the job offered harsh conditions that many white workers avoided. Despite the dangers, it provided freedom of travel, which attracted many Black sailors.

Designations

National Register of Historic Places in Dec 12, 1978

National Register of Historic Places in Oct 18, 1972

Related People & Organizations

Frank Braynard

Related Sites

Peck Slip

The Slave Ship Amistad-The key translator for the Amistad defendants, who spoke Mende' was found on the Fulton Street docks.

#Planning

#Historic District

#Historic