The Big Apple's Big Shame: How Many New Yorkers Were Actually Slaves in 1700?
Ah, New York City. Land of dreams, towering skyscrapers, and... slaves? Yep, you read that right. Turns out, the city that never sleeps used to be powered by a not-so-sleepy workforce – one that wasn't exactly getting paid. But before you start picturing fancy folks sipping tea while being fanned by folks in chains, let's dig into the nitty-gritty of 1700s NYC and its surprising slave situation.
Hold on, Weren't Slaves a Southern Thing?
Well, yes and no. Slavery was definitely a bigger deal down South, where huge plantations needed tons of labor to crank out all that cotton. But the North wasn't exactly innocent. New York, in particular, had a bit of a slave habit, even if it wasn't quite as hardcore as down South.
So, How Deep Did This Slave Rabbit Hole Go in NYC?
Here's the surprising part: for a northern city, New York had a surprisingly high number of enslaved people. We're talking over 40% of households owning slaves in 1703! That's a higher percentage than cities like Boston and Philadelphia, and second only to the infamous Charleston, South Carolina.
These enslaved folks weren't just toiling away on massive farms (although some did work on Long Island and the Hudson Valley). Many were actually domestic servants, working in people's homes. So, the next time you picture a posh New York dinner party, remember there might have been someone enslaved behind the scenes, waiting on the folks in powdered wigs.
But Why Did New York Have Slaves?
Honestly? Because free labor is expensive, and people back then were cheap (terrible, but true). Slaves were seen as a good investment, providing a lifetime of free (or close to free) labor for various tasks.
New York's Slave History: Not Exactly Something to Brag About
Now, before you start picturing NYC as a full-blown slave state, it's important to remember the scale. The percentage of enslaved people in New York City (around 20%) was still far lower than the South. However, it's a dark stain on the city's history, and a reminder that even the most glamorous places can have some skeletons in their closet (or, you know, a whole slave market on Wall Street – that existed until 1762, by the way).
FAQ: How to Learn More About NYC's Slave History
- How to virtually explore NYC's slave history? The New York Public Library has a great online exhibit called "Slavery in New York" – check it out!
- How to visit a historical site related to NYC slavery? The African Burial Ground National Monument is a powerful and moving place to learn more about this period.
- How to read up on NYC's slave history? Books like Leslie M. Harris' "In the Shadow of Slavery" offer a deep dive into the topic.
- How to find out more about slavery in general? The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture is a fantastic resource.
- How to have a respectful conversation about NYC's slave history? Do your research beforehand, be mindful of the language you use, and remember that it's a sensitive topic.
So, there you have it! A crash course in NYC's slave history, with a dash of humor (because sometimes you gotta laugh to keep from crying, right?). Remember, while New York might be all glitz and glam today, its past wasn't so picture-perfect. Learning about this history is important, so we can ensure a brighter future for everyone.
