The Case:
A collector holds a fragment of aged parchment, which may be evidence of one of the first revolts against slavery in the Americas.
The document appears to be a 1667 land grant to an African-American woman named Christina, the wife of a former slave.
The signature on the deed is of General Richard Nicolls, the first governor of New York.
How did an African-American woman - the wife of a former slave - acquire what is now a valuable piece of real estate in downtown Manhattan, referred to in the document as "The land of the blacks"?
History Detectives visits the Big Apple to learn more about the history of freedom and property rights for African-Americans in the United States.
Related Content
Feature:
Technique:
Technique:
Technique:
Related Links
Explore
-
Related Investigation
Body In The Basement
Are these the remains of an executed prisoner of war from an English Civil War battle?
-
Related Investigation
Bill Of Sale
Who was this girl sold into slavery?
-
Also with Tukufu Zuberi
Liberia Letter
Does this letter help to trace one freed man’s dream to return to Africa?
-
Also in Season 3
Revolutionary War Poem
How did this poem, written by an American prisoner in England in 1780 end up in Oregon 200 years later?
-
Also with Tukufu Zuberi
Mystery Crystal Cross
Where did this mysterious religious relic discovered in an old Spanish mission originally come from?
-
Also with Tukufu Zuberi
Vicksburg Map
Could this mysterious map have been at the front lines of one of the most explosive battles of the Civil War?
Comments
This is a place for opinions, comments, questions and discussion; a place where viewers of History Detectives can express their points of view and connect with others who value history. We ask that posters be polite and respectful of all opinions. History Detectives reserves the right to delete comments that don’t conform to this conduct. We will not respond to every post, but will do our best to answer specific questions, or address an error.