Duck
ParkNew York, US
Newburgh Colored Burial Ground
The Newburgh Colored Burial Ground is a profound historical site honoring a forgotten community.
About
The Newburgh Colored Burial Ground is a profound historical site honoring a forgotten community.
This deeply significant location in Newburgh, New York, serves as both a rediscovered burial ground and a forthcoming memorial, dedicated to the 19th-century African American community of Newburgh. It offers a unique opportunity for reflection and education, inviting visitors to connect with a vital, yet overlooked, chapter of American history. Currently marked by a poignant historical marker, the site will soon evolve into a comprehensive memorial park designed for remembrance and learning.
The planned memorial in Downing Park will feature a central circular reinterment lawn, flanked by interpretive education spaces and contemplative pathways, all leading to a ceremonial plaza. Visitors will experience a landscape crafted from regionally sourced Ebony Mist granite and bluestone, intentionally guiding them through a journey of remembrance and historical understanding. These elements, along with future dedication plaques, will narrate the history of the free Black community, their lives, and the challenges they faced even in death.
Visiting this site is a powerful act of remembrance, a chance to honor the lives and legacy of those whose histories were nearly lost. It's a place where history is not just read, but felt, offering a tranquil space for contemplation on social justice and the enduring human spirit. The developing memorial will serve as a permanent testament to the importance of historical truth and dignity for all. Unlock an interactive field guide for this spot: get the Snappit app to identify nature on the go.
The Newburgh Colored Burial Ground was established around 1830 and served the free Black community of Newburgh until about 1870. Despite their growing numbers and economic independence, segregation followed them in death. Over time, the burial ground was gradually obscured by urban development, eventually lying beneath public buildings and paved streets, its existence fading from public memory. A pivotal moment occurred in 2008 when, during renovations for the Broadway School (now the City Courthouse), human remains were unexpectedly discovered. Subsequent archaeological investigations identified 114 individuals of African ancestry. While 99 individuals were exhumed and preserved for reinterment, 15 remain at the original courthouse site. This discovery spurred a nearly two-decade-long community effort to return, reinter, and permanently honor these individuals, culminating in the city council's approval in late 2025 for the creation of a dedicated memorial and reinterment area within Downing Park. A historical marker was ceremonially unveiled at the courthouse site in October 2024, acknowledging its significance.
What to do here
Engage with the narratives presented on the historical marker. Take time for quiet contemplation about the lives of the individuals buried here and the historical context of their interment. Once the Downing Park memorial is complete, walk the pathways, observe the architectural details of Ebony Mist granite and bluestone, and participate in any educational programs or ceremonies that may be offered.
Seasonal info
Spring/Fall: Ideal weather for walking and outdoor reflection.
Summer: Can be warm; bring water and sun protection.
Winter: The site may be cold, and pathways could be icy or snowy.
Accessibility
While specific accessibility details for the future Downing Park memorial are not yet fully available, the design is intended to draw visitors inward through curved walkways, suggesting a focus on pedestrian access. The current historical marker at the courthouse is likely accessible from public sidewalks.
Don't miss
1
The historical marker at the City Courthouse, which officially recognizes the site's past.
2
Interpretive signage, as it becomes available, detailing the history of the burial ground and the lives of those interred.
3
The planned central circular reinterment lawn within Downing Park, which will serve as the respectful resting place for the exhumed remains.
4
The contemplative pathways and ceremonial plaza in the future memorial, designed to draw visitors into a space of reflection and remembrance.
Wildlife you might spot
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Good to know before you go
Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking, especially if exploring the surrounding Downing Park.
Bring water, particularly during warmer months, as the site is primarily outdoors.
Allow ample time for quiet reflection at the historical marker.
Consider researching the history of Newburgh's African American community before your visit to enrich your experience.
Check for local news or city announcements regarding the progress of the Downing Park memorial, as it is still under development.
The site is a place of solemn remembrance; approach with respect and reverence.
Frequently asked questions
- The Newburgh Colored Burial Ground is significant as a historic site that was used from approximately 1830 to 1870 for the burial of Newburgh's free Black community, who were denied burial in segregated cemeteries. Its rediscovery in 2008 brought to light a forgotten chapter of local African American history and prompted a major community effort to create a respectful memorial and reinterment site.
- The original site of the Newburgh Colored Burial Ground is located where the City Courthouse now stands, at the corner of Broadway and Robinson Avenue in Newburgh, New York. Currently, visitors can see a historical marker unveiled in October 2024, which acknowledges the sacred nature of the ground. A new memorial and reinterment area is planned for Downing Park, where the exhumed remains will eventually be laid to rest.
- The funding for the African American Burial Ground Memorial and Reinterment Area in Downing Park was approved by the Newburgh City Council in late 2025, with bid preparation for construction expected in the spring of 2025. This suggests that the full memorial is still in the planning and early construction phases, with completion anticipated in the coming years.
Recent snaps at this place
Jun 6, 2026
Jun 6, 2026
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Jun 6, 2026
Jun 5, 2026
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