The Big Apple's Big Secret: How Many Unwilling Apple Pickers Were There in 1860?
Ah, New York City. The city that never sleeps, the land of opportunity, the place where Broadway dreams come true (and also where you can get a slice of pizza at 3 am). But here's a little slice of history you might not have known: New York wasn't always quite so squeaky clean. Yes, even the city that brought us Lady Liberty had a not-so-liberty-loving past that involved enslaved people.
Now, before you start picturing mass cotton fields in Times Square, slavery in New York looked a bit different than down South. We're talking more domestic servants and skilled laborers than folks toiling away on plantations. But that doesn't make it any less awful.
So, how many folks were living this un-American nightmare in the Empire State in 1860, just five years before the Civil War kicked off? Buckle up, history buffs, because this number might surprise you.
Tip: Focus on clarity, not speed.
 |
| How Many Slaves Were In New York In 1860 |
They Came, They Saw, They Were Enslaved: New York's Dwindling Bondage Business
Here's the thing: by 1860, slavery in New York was already on its last legs. A gradual abolition law passed in 1799 meant that any children born to enslaved people would eventually be freed. This wasn't exactly the Emancipation Proclamation, but it was a start.
So, how many people were enslaved in New York in 1860? Estimates place the number around 3,000. That might seem like a drop in the bucket compared to the Deep South, but remember, this is New York we're talking about! 3,000 people is still a whole lot of human beings denied their basic freedoms.
QuickTip: Revisit key lines for better recall.
The Plot Twist: The Abolitionist Underground (Not the Subway System)
Here's where things get interesting. New York City, with its bustling port, became a major stop on the Underground Railroad. Escaped slaves from the South would often find safe haven and passage to freedom in the North. This definitely put a dent in the number of enslaved people in New York.
So, Why All the Secrecy About Slavery in New York?
Maybe you're wondering why you never learned about this in history class. Well, let's just say New York wasn't exactly eager to brag about its pro-slavery past. The city wanted to project an image of liberty and justice for all (well, almost all). It wasn't until recently that historians started digging deeper into this uncomfortable chapter of New York's story.
Tip: A slow skim is better than a rushed read.
 |
FAQ: You've Got Questions, We've Got (Quick) Answers!
How to learn more about slavery in New York?
- Check out the Slavery in New York exhibit at the New-York Historical Society [There are many resources available online as well, but a physical exhibit can be a powerful learning experience].
How to find out if your ancestors were enslaved in New York?
QuickTip: Use the post as a quick reference later.
- The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture has a wealth of resources to help you trace your genealogy [Genealogy research can be time-consuming, but so rewarding!].
How to talk to your family about slavery in New York?
- Be open, honest, and respectful. This history might be uncomfortable, but it's important to have these conversations.
How to get involved in the fight against modern slavery?
- There are many organizations working to end human trafficking. Do some research and find a cause that speaks to you.
How to make New York a more equitable place for everyone?
- Support policies that promote racial justice and equality. Educate yourself and others about the city's history.
By remembering the past, we can work towards a brighter future for all New Yorkers.
 |
