Why the Name Seneca?

Seneca Communities is inspired by Seneca Village, founded in New York City in 1825 by a community of free African Americans. Seneca Village offered a rare opportunity for African Americans to become property owners and live in Manhattan’s first free black community, far from the densely populated downtown. With more than half the residents owning their homes, the community was stable and prosperous. Seneca Village existed until 1857, when, through eminent domain, the city forced homeowners to vacate their homes to make way for the construction of Central Park. Seneca Village demonstrated what was possible with the right mix of public policy, private investment, and a commitment to building a more resilient and equitable city for all New Yorkers. It is with this example in mind that we pay tribute to the forerunners of Seneca Village and all that they strove to achieve. Their work guides our mission today.