African Burying Ground Memorial Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The African Burying Ground Memorial Park is located in Portsmouth, New Hampshire and honors the lives of enslaved and free Africans who were buried in the area during the 18th century.


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Summary

It is a powerful tribute to those who were marginalized and forgotten in history.

One of the main reasons to visit the park is to pay respects to those who were buried there and to learn about their lives and struggles. The park also offers a range of educational programs and events that explore the history of African Americans in New Hampshire.

Some points of interest at the park include a sculpture installation that represents the 13 ships that brought enslaved Africans to Portsmouth, as well as a series of markers that identify the names and occupations of those who were buried in the area.

An interesting fact about the park is that it was created after the discovery of African remains during a construction project in 2003. The community came together to honor these individuals and ensure that their legacy is not forgotten.

The best time of year to visit the African Burying Ground Memorial Park is during the warmer months, as it is primarily an outdoor space. Visitors can also take advantage of the city's many other historical and cultural attractions while in the area.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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