What was Queens like before the Civil War?
With gradual abolition and the manumission of enslaved people following the American Revolution, Newtown (present-day Elmhurst), became an agricultural hub and thriving free Black community in the early 19th century.
In 1828, a year after slavery was finally abolished in New York State, landowner James Hunter gave two acres to the community for a church and parsonage. The village then established the United African Society of Newtown, or St. Mark’s A.M.E. Church.
By 1886 more than 300 burials had been made in the St. Mark's A.M.E. Church cemetery. The church moved further east and gradually the burial ground was forgotten until remains were discovered of a woman in an iron coffin in 2011 during development. As of 2018, St. Mark's A.M.E. Church is hoping to buy the land for preservation.
Enjoy a closer look at the history and legacy of Newtown, Queens.
To learn more about Newtown, Corona, Elmhurst, and the rich cultural history of Queens, New York, visit the Corona-East Elmhurst Historic Preservation Society (CEEHPS), and Elmhurst History and Cemeteries Preservation Society, INC.
Special thanks to:
Saint Mark A.M.E. Church
Corona-East Elmhurst Historic Preservation Society (CEEHPS)
Elmhurst History and Cemeteries Preservation Society, INC.
Reverend Kimberly Detherage
Linda Jacob
Dr. Prithi Kanakamedala
Marialena Giampino
Image Credits:
Corona-East Elmhurst Historic Preservation Society (CEEHPS)
Elmhurst History and Cemeteries Preservation Society, INC.
New York Public Library
Library of Congress
Impossible Factual
New York State Archives
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