Slavery and African American History Private Tour in NYC

Discover the often-overlooked stories of slavery and African American heritage in New York City with the Slavery and African American History Private Tour offered by Rosotravel US. Priced at $193 per person and lasting between 2 to 3 hours, this tour provides an in-depth look at the city’s colonial past and its ties to the slave trade. It’s ideal for those eager to uncover the dark chapters of American history beyond textbooks, with options to visit key sites and learn from a knowledgeable guide.

This tour starts at One Pace Plaza, in front of the Benjamin Franklin Statue, and offers a private, flexible experience led by a fluent history expert. Travelers can choose between a 2-hour or 3-hour option, with the latter including a visit to the African Burial Ground National Monument. For those interested in history that’s often hidden, this tour delivers a compelling and educational journey through downtown Manhattan.

Key Points

• Price of $193 per person for a private, guided experience
• Duration of 2 to 3 hours, with the longer option including additional site visits
• Explore historic sites like Wall Street, Fraunces Tavern, and Trinity Church
• Visit the African Burial Ground National Monument (included only in the 3-hour option)
• Learn about the role of enslaved Africans in building New York City’s infrastructure
• Guided by a knowledgeable expert fluent in your language of choice

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discover the Historic Roots of Downtown Manhattan’s Slavery Past

This private tour provides a focused exploration of African American history in New York City, emphasizing stories rarely covered in standard education. It is suitable for those interested in understanding how slavery shaped colonial and early America, particularly in Manhattan. The tour’s private nature ensures an intimate, personalized experience, with the guide sharing detailed insights into the city’s past, including labor, rebellion, and community life.

Starting at One Pace Plaza, the guide leads you through downtown streets, revealing buildings constructed with slave labor and the legacy of slavery behind famous landmarks. The 2-hour option covers key sites like Wall Street, which gets its name from a slave-built wall, and historic churches like St. Paul’s Chapel and Trinity Church. The 3-hour option adds a visit to the African Burial Ground, where you learn about the burial practices and history of 15,000 Africans buried there between the 1690s and 1794.

Key Sites: Wall Street and the Former Slave Market

A highlight of this tour is the walk along Wall Street, where the original slave wall influenced the district’s name. The guide also points out the building that housed the old slave market, providing context on how enslaved Africans were bought and sold in colonial New York. This site’s history is often overlooked, making it a powerful stop to understand the city’s economic roots.

You’ll also pass the African Burial Ground National Monument, which, in the 3-hour option, is experienced firsthand through exhibits, artifacts, and visual displays. The guide relays stories of the enslaved Africans’ journey from Africa and their vital, but often hidden, contributions to city development.

Visiting Trinity Church, St. Paul’s Chapel, and Fraunces Tavern

The tour visits Trinity Church, originally built with slave labor, and St. Paul’s Chapel, which also has ties to this history. These historic churches stand as testaments to the colonial era and the complex relationship between religion, slavery, and community.

The tour concludes outside Fraunces Tavern, a site of great historical importance as a former headquarters of George Washington. The guide shares stories of its role during the American Revolution and its links to the broader history of enslaved and free Africans in New York.

The African Burial Ground National Monument: A Deep Dive (3-hour option)

The African Burial Ground National Monument offers a detailed visit in the longer tour option. This archaeological site brings to life the stories of enslaved Africans through movies, images, artifacts, and exhibits. It sheds light on their journey from Africa to North America and their experiences in colonial New York.

Visitors pass security checks before entering the visitor center, which helps preserve this sacred site. The exhibits help contextualize the complex history of slavery, emphasizing the resilience and contributions of African Americans in the city’s formation.

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Practical Details: Meeting Point and Tour Logistics

The tour begins at One Pace Plaza, right in front of the Benjamin Franklin Statue. It is a private group experience, ensuring personalized attention from the expert guide. The tour is available in multiple languages including English, French, Italian, German, and Spanish, making it accessible to a broad audience.

The group size is kept manageable, with a maximum of 25 guests per guide, or more if needed. The walks are wheelchair accessible, making the experience inclusive for all visitors. It’s recommended to check your email the day before for important instructions and updates.

The Value of a Private, Focused Historical Tour

This experience offers deep insights into a lesser-known chapter of American history, specifically centered on African Americans’ role in colonial New York. The $193 price includes a guided tour focused on places, events, and figures connected to slavery and its legacy.

The extra visit to the African Burial Ground in the 3-hour option adds a valuable educational dimension, providing visual and immersive learning through exhibits. The tour’s flexibility in timing, along with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, makes it a practical choice for those planning a flexible schedule.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most

This private tour suits history enthusiasts, students, or anyone interested in uncovering the hidden stories of New York’s past. It’s a powerful way to connect the dots between colonial infrastructure and slavery’s economic and cultural influence.

Because it’s private, it’s ideal for small groups, families, or individuals seeking a personalized experience. The focus on educational content and historical sites offers a meaningful day for those wanting to understand the roots of African American heritage in the city.

The Sum Up: A Thought-Provoking Journey into New York City’s Hidden Past

The Slavery and African American History Private Tour provides a unique perspective on New York City’s colonial and early American history, emphasizing African Americans’ contributions and enslavement stories that are often left out of mainstream narratives.

With the option to visit the African Burial Ground and explore sites like Wall Street and Fraunces Tavern, this tour delivers both educational value and historical depth. Its private format and multilingual guides make it accessible and engaging for a wide audience.

While the $193 price is reasonable for a personalized, expert-led experience, it is best suited for those with a keen interest in history or wishing to see the city through a different lens. This tour offers a thoughtful and respectful exploration of a difficult but essential part of America’s past.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, ensuring everyone can visit the key sites comfortably.

What languages are available for the guided tour?
Guides are fluent in English, French, Italian, German, and Spanish.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Does the 2-hour option include the African Burial Ground?
No, the African Burial Ground is included only in the 3-hour tour option.

Where do I meet the guide?
At One Pace Plaza, in front of the Benjamin Franklin Statue.

How long does the tour typically last?
It lasts between 2 to 3 hours, depending on the option you choose.

Is the tour private or can I join a group?
This is a private group tour designed for a small number of participants.

What is the price per person?
The tour costs $193 per person.

What are some key sites visited during the tour?
Sites include Wall Street, Fraunces Tavern, Trinity Church, St. Paul’s Chapel, and the African Burial Ground (in the longer option).

Is lunch or refreshments included?
No, food and drinks are not included in the tour package.

How physically demanding is the tour?
It involves walking around downtown Manhattan, which is suitable for most visitors but may require standing for periods.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby