New York grew in importance as a trading port while under British rule in the early 1700s. It also became a center of slavery, with 42% of households holding slaves by 1730, more than any other city other than Charleston, South Carolina. Most slaveholders held a few or several domestic slaves, but others hired them out to work at labor. Slavery became integrally tied to New York's economy through the labor of slaves throughout the port, and the banks and shipping tied to the South. Discovery of the African Burying Ground in the 1990s, during construction of a new federal courthouse near Foley Square, revealed that tens of thousands of Africans had been buried in the area in the colonial years. COUNT 6
QSN1 In 1730, what percentage of New York households were slave-holding? ANS1 42% QSN2 In 1730, what American city had the highest percentage of slaveholders? ANS2 Charleston, South Carolina QSN3 Near what square was the African Burial Ground unearthed? ANS3 Foley Square QSN4 What was being built that resulted in the discovery of the African Burial Ground? ANS4 courthouse QSN5 Which city in North America held the most slaves in the 1700s? ANS5 Charleston, South Carolina QSN6 When was as African burial ground discovered after the building of new courthouse? ANS6 1990s