Possible Enslaved Family Dwelling

While this may look like an innocent patch of grass, there's substantial archeological evidence to suggest that this spot was once occupied by men and women enslaved by the Budd or Jay families, including Caesar Valentine, the last person to be manumitted by the Jays (he was owned by John Jay's sister-in-law, Mary, until she died in 1824). As of 1830, there were five free African-Americans, three women and two men, on the property. It possible they called these quarters their home. Caesar Valentine had a son, also named Caesar, in 1807 and died in 1847 and is buried somewhere on the Jay farm.

The stories of the enslaved men and women like Caesar, Mary and Clarinda are powerful narratives and told through JHC's signature play "Striving for Freedom" . Click here to learn more.