Before Central Park

By: Sara Cedar Miller

Narrated by: Sheree Galpert

This book is the authoritative account of the place that would become Central Park. From the first Dutch family to settle on the land through the political crusade to create America’s first major urban park, Sara Cedar Miller chronicles two and a half centuries of history. She tells the stories of Indigenous hunters, enslaved people and enslavers, American patriots and British loyalists, the Black landowners of Seneca Village, Irish pig farmers, tavern owners, Catholic sisters, Jewish protesters, and more.

Miller unveils a British fortification and camp during the Revolutionary War, a suburban retreat from the yellow fever epidemics at the turn of the 19th century, and the properties that a group of free Black Americans used to secure their right to vote.

Tales of political chicanery, real estate speculation, cons, and scams stand alongside democratic idealism, the striving of immigrants, and powerfully human lives. Before Central Park shows how much of the history of early America is still etched upon the landscapes of Central Park today.

The book is published by Columbia University Press. The audiobook is published by University Press Audiobooks.

©2022 Sara Cedar Miller (P)2023 Redwood Audiobooks

Loved the early Dutch history and influence in Manhattan.

Nothing not to like for those interested in Manhattan’s rich and interesting history. Carefully and deeply researched, the book reflects the love for the park and for the city by the author. Narrator Sheree Galpert’s excellent cadence and pronunciation of Dutch and Native American words makes for a very captivating and pleasant reading experience.

Very graphic.

This story had way too much detail that you got lost in following it. I would “tune” out.