Central Park and Seneca: A Tale of Two Cities

Home to over 8.3 million people, New York City is the city that never sleeps, where life never stops, and people are always on the move. In the 1840s, a proposal was put forward to create a large park in central Manhattan to serve the surrounding area with an adequate green oasis in an otherwise concrete jungle.
Spanning 840 acres in Manhattan and visited by over 42 million people annually, the creation of Central Park was not without sacrifice. As planning and construction began, numerous existing structures were seized using eminent domain, displacing thousands in the hopes of creating the park. The most famous example of this was Seneca Village, a majority-black settlement.
Central Park and Seneca Village represent a tale of two New York’s: one of the United States’ most diverse cities and a city that grappled with the racial divide in post-slavery 19th and 20th century America.
→ Subscribe for new videos two times per week.
/ @geographicstravel
Love content? Check out our other KZbin Channels:
Biographics: / @biographics
TopTenz: / toptenznet
Check out Karl's Socials:
Fact Fiend: www.youtube.com/ @FactFiend
Wiki Weekends: www.youtube.com/ @wikiweekends
Untitled Side Channel: www.youtube.com/ @untitledsidechannel
Twitter: / karlsmallwood
Further Reading:
www.newyork-demographics.com/...
www.centralparknyc.org/about#....
www.britannica.com/place/Cent...
demographia.com/db-nyuza1800.htm
archive.org/details/parkpeopl...
@Woodarchive.org/details/parkpeopl...
@Woodarchive.org/details/parkpeopl...
archive.org/details/parkpeopl...
archive.org/details/parkpeopl...
archive.org/details/parkpeopl...
archive.org/details/parkpeopl...
archive.org/details/parkpeopl...
archive.org/details/parkpeopl...
archive.org/details/parkpeopl...
archive.org/details/parkpeopl...
archive.org/details/parkpeopl...
archive.org/details/parkpeopl...
archive.org/details/parkpeopl...
www.centralparknyc.org/articl...
www.nypl.org/blog/2015/06/29/....
www.crf-usa.org/bill-of-right....
www.centralparknyc.org/articl....
www.centralparknyc.org/seneca...
kids.britannica.com/students/....
archive.org/details/parkpeopl...
archive.org/details/parkpeopl...
archive.org/details/centralpa...
archive.org/details/centralpa...
archive.org/details/parkpeopl...
www.in2013dollars.com/us/infl...
archive.org/details/parkpeopl...
archive.org/details/centralpa...
archive.org/details/centralpa...
archive.org/details/centralpa...
archive.org/details/centralpa...
archive.org/details/centralpa...
archive.org/details/centralpa...
archive.org/details/centralpa...
archive.org/details/centralpa...
archive.org/details/centralpa...
archive.org/details/parkpeopl...
www.nytimes.com/1912/06/01/ar...

[@geographicstravel]

Check out Karl's Socials: Fact Fiend: www.youtube.com/@FactFiend Wiki Weekends: www.youtube.com/@wikiweekends Untitled Side Channel: www.youtube.com/@untitledsidechannel

[@RHCole]

Recommendation: The Appalachian Mountains, one of the oldest mountain chains on the planet.

[@nmgg6928]

Mr Karl it took a bit of time to get used to you being the new host but I have grown to really enjoy you presenting these episodes. I still enjoy Simon on his other channels but you are fantastic here a look forward to more from you 😀

[@resileaf9501]

Great work as ever, Karl. :) I still think your presentation style is progressing excellently and enjoy your personal comments added to the script. I greatly appreciate your concern for the people who lose their homes and livelyhood, and I certainly noticed your shocked pause at the suicide part. Really goes to show how good a person you are.

[@spiereke82]

he should place his prompter/readout closer to his camera. On the closer shots, his eyes darting away from me as he explains, distracts. Otherwise I agree. This is just intended as some constructive criticism!

[@mwi3865]

Bro isn’t professional at all. So happy there is another host now

[@JustinHusted]

I never even thought to lookup Central Park, and here you go and do a whole video on it. Was more interesting than I expected, especially the Seneca bit. And just like lobster, what was once the poor man’s is now for the rich. For those of you grumbling about no Simon, they mentioned in their 10th anniversary episode of “today I found out” that this is Karl’s gig now. He’s feeling it out, go back and watch some of Simon’s earlier work, it takes time to become a top tier presenter. I’m sure there’s also the risk that Simon could eventually get burnt out too so having a few more presenters keeps these channels alive. I think Karl is headed in the right direction. I think you could turn the up the humor one more notch and still not deter from the facts part. After all, I don’t come here for a Wikipedia narration (not saying you’re doing that). If you continue to pump out interesting content such as this one, then I keep my eyes and ears glued to it.

[@ignitionfrn2223]

1:35 - Chapter 1 - The commissioners plan of 1811 2:35 - Chapter 2 - Planning central park in an ever growing new york city 5:35 - Chapter 3 - New york city in crisis 7:15 - Chapter 4 - Upper manhattan pre central park 8:35 - Chapter 5 - Senece village; new york's city stolen neighborhood 11:45 - Chapter 6 - Designing central park 12:45 - Chapter 7 - Construction begins 14:25 - Chapter 8 - Full steam ahead 15:25 - Chapter 9 - The dark & powerfull tammany hall 17:00 - Chapter 10 - The 1st decline of central park 19:05 - Chapter 11 - Rehabilitation 20:25 - Chapter 12 - Decline & the great restoration 22:15 - Conclusion

[@workablob]

Great presentation. Sheffield is a fantastic city. It's the sister city of Pittsburgh from where I hail. I visited a few years ago and blew my knees out walking all over.

[@justuscrickets]

TYSM for covering this too-seldom-acknowledged piece of NYC history. And I agree, the "interim" part of your title as host should go; Host Karl FTW! 😊

[@cactaceous]

Whatever it’s history is, as bad as it may have been for some, Central Park will forever be important in my development as a person. I grew up on 108th St btw Columbus and Manhattan Aves. An Avenue and a half from the very top and end of Central Park. It was me and my brothers’ back yard. Our neighborhood playground was the 110th one right off the Douglass Circle Plaza and Cathedral Parkway. Where I would go to the Great Hill area when it snowed to sled or on sunny days play with a frisbee, kick a ball or just run around. It’s where I learned how to ride my bike, where I went to learn how to skateboard, where I would hide to to smoke my first cigarettes and smoke other things too before arriving home as a teen.

[@tyersavard1551]

Whistlers got a whole production studio integrated into the basement

[@SJR_Media_Group]

Thank you Karl Smallwood from Sheffield.... I have friends in Music Industry and located in Manchester / Wiggin. It is between Liverpool (Beatles) and Sheffield (Def Leppard). Something in the water produces world class musicians from the UK. I am a retired Landscape Architect. We studied Central Park and the Olmstead's. They created Parks across America, including Seattle where I studied. Parks are living breathing creations that require vision, ongoing funding, and maintenance. If someone proposed spending a billion dollars and creating a green space in the heart of Manhattan, it would be a hard sell today. Glad there are New Yorkers that love their Central Park.

[@bradlevantis913]

This was a good presentation Karl. Nice balance between humour and the seriousness it deserves

[@AdakStillStands]

Born in 1958 in Los Angeles, I didn't realize I'd been priced out of both New York City and L.A. before I was born!

[@russelllomando8460]

when i lived in brooklyn, & worked in ny, it was next to cp. i visited it hundreds of times. good report. great job karl.

[@orangegalen]

Petition to drop the “interim” part of interim host.

[@LowFatCurrantBun]

I clicked this video for one reason ☝.. The hope of hearing that famous beginning: _"It was the best of times; it was the worst of times 🌓..."_ The numerous positive comments made me stay though. They are correct 👍👏.

[@anthonyfrench3169]

You are coming into your own and making this channel your own. BTW, love the Godzilla piece in the back Godzilla minus 1❤

[@danielsantiagourtado3430]

Love your content karl! You're doing an amazing Job 😊😊😊😊❤❤❤

[@aceundead4750]

Trees can make money, start a tourism business centered around showing off the trees at different times of year, create a little tree mascot maybe even a series of mascots made of different tree types and bam making money with trees. We Americans love paying money just to look at things

[@joemegna447]

Dude I love the ant-eater stuffy.

[@megara4068]

I think your hair is lovely just the way it is. :) Also, my paternal grandfather's family immigrated to the States from Sheffield. I may have reacted a little overly excited to hear that's where you're from. I've visited London, Oxford, Avebury, and Bath, but if I ever am lucky enough to visit the UK again, Sheffield will be one stop so I can research local history.

[@leightonolsson4846]

I enjoy your presenting, Karl. Nice to hear a good accent. Simon's great... But he's led a sheltered life, bless😂

[@Boomken76]

Dont worry about "filling" for Simon "The fact boi" he way chill like you & even has tangent cams so your doing fine

[@charlieghostwolf6161]

Karl I thought you were doing fine the first time I saw you on this channel and I still think so, you're obviously growing more confident with being the host and that only makes your presentation better, keep up the good work Bright Blessings

[@murrayscott9546]

Back then going to Haarlem was like going Hampsread, for city folks.

[@murrayscott9546]

Hampstead, in London, UK - by the way. Both of them were largely rural in nature, back Inna day. Ahh, those good old days ! Ha !

[@emarti3853]

Idk if Simon's way is better because it's more "serious". He makes jokes too, just a weird inflection to it unique to him? I like you Karl, and your Smallwood park

[@olga138]

Schermerhorn is pronounced "Sker-meh-horn" with the emphasis on the first syllable. Those Dutch names are tricky. You're doing a great job, Karl!

[@lukekaehne9091]

The Irony, a guy with the last name Smallwood, talking about another bunch of Woods trying to put Wood down.

[@sibire8284]

I'll admit, I was skeptical about a new host going into things, but with each video you're really growing on me. Keep it up, man, they're big shoes to fill and it's great watching you get into the swing of things.

[@TheCaptainConway]

Simon is a tough act to follow, but its more important that you find what works for you. You're doing great.

[@johnrhines6626]

Casual Karl is best Karl but still always worth it

[@seahag6118]

Like your former & sometimes current Simon Whistler.. we like a little joke & sarcasm Let’s us know you get it.. This was my fav so far bc you did loosen up.. just bc it’s a serious topic it never changes the need for a little goofing around.. it what’s makes Simon so good😉👍👌

[@ellaeadig263]

I had no idea about this. I thought they just picked a field and built that part of the city around it. This is really sad.

[@traintocode]

Definitely drinking a mug of Henderson's Relish there.

[@whitlatch1999]

I love the crediting of writers (even if the AI art is terrible)

[@FireVixen164]

So regarding presentation style, there's something very Simon about this video. Probably because the writer had Simon's style in mind? I love both Karl and Simon though, so I'm sure it will find its groove in time. Great video!

[@accutronitisthe2nd95]

Smallwood? That must have been tough growing up with?

[@JoeThornhill]

0:41 Oh, I though it was already there as just grassy fields and woodland. Like everything was before people just built around it in a certain shape. Maybe changed the look of it a bit like taking some trees down, laying down gravel or concrete for footpaths and such.

[@York22]

Correction no us state legislature is called a Congress

[@grandpalarry7776]

I believe you misspoke when you stated the Central Park bill was passed in 1953 and property assessments were completed in 1955. The dates should have been 1853 and 1855.

[@JimAllen-Persona]

That’s what you get when you have people doing a bit on a place they’ve never been. It’s a pet peeve.

[@kitdraken]

There’s a massive context difference between 1850s and the 1950s when it comes to redeveloping land owned by blacks

[@rawrd99]

Do Olmsted Baltimore next

[@JessicaKayKay]

Wait a min this isn't Simon?!?!? Oh, he has hair he can stay. :D

[@AnnaAnna-uc2ff]

Thanks.

[@FireVixen164]

Ah! Unexpected Karl! :O

[@ThroughTheThornvine]

22:07 i hate that stupid skyscraper

[@ProbablyNotLegit]

- Osama Bin Laden, some time in 1999

[@patriciaposthumus6684]

You are doing much better. It's getting easier to understand you as you speak, and your annunciation is getting better. Though please, I'm begging. Please, please do something with that bare light bulb behind you. Between that bulb and the glare from the side white wall, it's very hard to focus the eye on you, the presenter. Instead, the eye is drawn to that light bulb.

[@Brightangel55]

*Enunciation

[@patriciaposthumus6684]

@linden1555 Thank you for that. I tried several different spellings, and I got as close as I could. Spelling has never been my strong suit. So, I definitely appreciate the correction.

[@lisw85]

Great topic

[@bnorris8625]

18:16 is Sheffield known as the greenest city due to everyone smoking weed lol

[@YodaSmokes]

Imagine going from millions of views to barely 10 thousand views

[@littleshep5502]

Its what happens when there are months long breaks

[@anthonyC214]

As they continue to build crazy tall skyscrapers along the parameter, which Will block the sun out of the park , will again lead to its destruction.

[@williamoliver6807]

Oh my God I just realized that 3 of my grandparents are from Scotland and the other is Irish Wow can I be a victim now

[@lethalmilk8517]

Karl, you’re doing a brilliant job. I enjoy your style; I think you’ve got the mix of formal / informal spot on. I think it’s about time you were made permanent host.

[@girldaddividendinvestor]

Bob Moses likes this.

[@n8dogg9]

Karl is awesome.

[@pawglover37]

19th century, not 18th century. who edits these?

[@dogslovefood689]

Hi Karl, I'm your biggest fan! I'm so excited to watch this latest upload! Five years ago, I saw a woman being dragged behind a dumpster, her screams echoed through the alley as I ran as fast as possible. I never looked back, and I question who she was and if I could have done anything to this day. Anyhow, love you, so excited for your next video ❤❤❤!!

[@rebellioustoast6670]

Why is Karl here?! When has this become a thing. Its like watching a Batman movie and Tony Stark is Batman

[@antiisocial]

Cool. Ty

[@I_am_Allan]

How many Seneca Aboriginals, were left in the Seneca Neighbourhood? I noticed you didn't talk about the people that were there before colonisation.

[@stelladonaconfredobutler9459]

So where is Simon?

[@MegaBluebone]

Videos are ao much better without all the long-winded tangents and snorting into the microphone

[@benkmarchant]

Haha Smallwood

[@rickrivas4270]

All right, it's time to stop saying "interim host". It implies you'll leave us and then we'll have to get used to an entirely new guy

[@geographicstravel]

If you want him to be permanent, share the videos and encourage others to do so as well. The algorithm needs to be reminded we exist.

[@joeobrien196]

Maybe he hasn’t been told that he is the new full time host

[@daviddeeken7143]

Karl. Your doing just fine. One thing tho, go full time no more "interim host" Your the man. Done deal. lol

[@JeffinBville]

Who doesn't think your name is "Karl"?

[@littleshep5502]

Some people hear ""Kyle"

[@JeffinBville]

@@littleshep5502 Touché!

[@IIDave]

Now if Karl would only grow a bread and shave his head....

[@danielwolf6875]

Now THATS how you host a Geographics!!!!! Good S#@t with what your doing with the channels. ❤️‍🔥

[@nonstopbg]

Karl your name is perfectly OK. People who may find it amusing are just dumb. Like wannabe billies but online. Screw them!

[@stankythecat6735]

This sucks without Simon

[@nickywilcox2312]

Then don't watch it. Problem solved

[@joemegna447]

In 1857 "By all measures New York City was a mess, politically, financially, morally." IT STILL IS. Nothing has changed. Take a bow Democrats.

[@intoxicationgaming2394]

First

[@reddog-ex4dx]

Karl, stop making a big deal about your name. If people have a problem with it they need to go back to kindergarten where they can snicker about bathroom jokes all they want.

[@mason7067]

Nope, can we get Simon to redo this one? It sounds interesting, but I just can't do it.

[@les777pl]

What happened to that other guy, who used to talk on this channel. That bearded guy. This one is completely boring.

[@TheLoxxxton]

Meh.... RIP Simon

[@nunya___]

Shanty town is racists? That's a new one. Def: A town or a section of a town consisting chiefly of shacks or crudely built houses.

[@ThatsMrAwesomesauce]

Yall are gonna make me unsub as I'm here for Simon. Not an interim that's actually perm

[@larryloaf4938]

Bye now, don't let the door hit you on the way out.

[@ecocodex4431]

Simon has like, 24 other channels, if you want to see him, go there. Stop being a baby

[@itsjustafad]

Yeah, Simon isn’t coming back, but he is still creating more channels, his newest is a couple of weeks old.

[@KeithZim]

Where is Simon

[@itsjustafad]

@@KeithZim This, Biographics and Toptenz were never his channel. I believe there's a video on Toptenz that explains what happened. Aside from that there are many channels still in the Whistlerverse.

[@rgriffinRETIRED_SHEEPDOG]

He thinks it’s funny to keep whispering that it was racist. It’s not. Is this a channel for adults?

[@azkrouzreimertz9784]

😂

[@y0sarian]

Trying to add humor? What is this?? A channel for infotainment?!

[@Garythefireman66]

Lighten up Francis 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@aamirchaka924]

Who hurt you bro

[@nachoisone]

Do you disagree that the decision was not a racist one?

[@sonofwilma]

No offense but he is just reading a script. There is no teaching and I don’t believe he even knows what he is saying. Please don’t just read with your eyes above the camera. This is just terrible and insulting to the importance of the material. He is worse than bad AI

[@uniquefreak13]

"did began"?????? Wtf did you just say??? 😂