Historic cemetery rests in pieces within Van Cortlandt Park
Posted: Updated:Hidden away inside Van Cordlandt Park rests a relatively unknown and unpreserved plot of American history -- one of the Bronx's oldest burying grounds.
The Kingsbridge Historical Society says it's the final resting place of some of the Bronx's earliest European settlers -- and just steps away is another space for African slaves.
But the city hasn't done much to preserve the cemeteries, according to Peter Ostrander and Nicholas Demowski, members of the historical society.
"About 25 years ago, the Parks Department promised to put up signage in the park," Ostrander says. "But nothing ever came to pass."
Furthermore, he says, headstones that once marked the grave sites were picked up and thrown behind the Van Cortlandt House.
"They're cracked," he says. "They're broken."
Ostrander and Demowski are pushing to have visible markers placed in the cemetery.
"I feel like this part of the Bronx is actually a microcosm of American history," Demowski says. "I think the descendants of that family would really appreciate it, and I think that it would be an interesting vista for people walking by to see this 18th century remnant."
Top StoriesMore>>
Police: 1 man shot in car in Bedford Park
Police: 1 man shot in car in Bedford Park
Police say a man is in the hospital and a suspect is at large after a shooting in Bedford Park Saturday night.Police say a man is in the hospital and a suspect is at large after a shooting in Bedford Park Saturday night.Forecast: Storm bringing some slushy snow and rain overnight
Forecast: Storm bringing some slushy snow and rain overnight
The borough has seen mostly pleasant winter weather this weekend with seasonable temperatures, but there are a couple chances for some snow coming up.The borough has seen mostly pleasant winter weather this weekend with seasonable temperatures, but there are a couple chances for some snow coming up.Bodega owners call on politicians to allow sale of marijuana
Bodega owners call on politicians to allow sale of marijuana
Bodega owners are calling on politicians to allow stores to package and sell recreational marijuana.Bodega owners are calling on politicians to allow stores to package and sell recreational marijuana.Police: Man wanted in cellphone robbery at subway station
Police: Man wanted in cellphone robbery at subway station
Police say they're searching for a man wanted in connection to a cellphone robbery inside the Hunts Point Avenue subway station.Police say they're searching for a man wanted in connection to a cellphone robbery inside the Hunts Point Avenue subway station.Poll: National Random Acts of Kindness Day
Poll: National Random Acts of Kindness Day
Today is National Random Acts of Kindness Day! Have you done a random act of kindness yet today?Today is National Random Acts of Kindness Day! Have you done a random act of kindness yet today?Mayor: Amazon should have tried to win critics over
Mayor: Amazon should have tried to win critics over
Mayor Bill de Blasio says Amazon proved its critics right by canceling its planned New York City campus rather than trying to win the critics over.Mayor Bill de Blasio says Amazon proved its critics right by canceling its planned New York City campus rather than trying to win the critics over.Neighborhood Brief for 2/17
Neighborhood Brief for 2/17
Neighborhood Brief for 2/17
Neighborhood Brief for 2/17
Police: 6 men wanted in connection to cellphone robbery
Police: 6 men wanted in connection to cellphone robbery
Police say they're searching for six men in connection to a cell phone robbery of a teenager in Van Nest.Police say they're searching for six men in connection to a cell phone robbery of a teenager in Van Nest.Police: 2 suspects wanted in connection to Longwood assault
Police: 2 suspects wanted in connection to Longwood assault
Police say they're searching for two suspects in connection to a brutal assault on Southern Boulevard in Longwood.Police say they're searching for two suspects in connection to a brutal assault on Southern Boulevard in Longwood.NASA rover finally bites the dust on Mars after 15 years
NASA rover finally bites the dust on Mars after 15 years
Opportunity Lost: NASA rover finally bites the dust on Mars after an unexpected 15 years.Opportunity Lost: NASA rover finally bites the dust on Mars after an unexpected 15 years.
GalleriesMore>>
Westminster Kennel Club's annual dog show trots into New York
Westminster Kennel Club's annual dog show trots into New York
Photos from the 143rd Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Piers 92/94 in February, 2019 in New York City.Photos from the 143rd Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Piers 92/94 in February, 2019 in New York City.Bronx Birthday Smiles
Bronx Birthday Smiles
It's a celebration! Is your or a loved one's birthday coming up? Let us know! Send us your photos and you could end up on air and News12.com!
It's a celebration! Is your or a loved one's birthday coming up? Let us know! Send us your photos and you could end up on air and News12.com!
It's a celebration! Is your or a loved one's birthday coming up? Let us know! Send us your photos and you could end up on air and News12.com!
It's a celebration! Is your or a loved one's birthday coming up? Let us know! Send us your photos and you could end up on air and News12.com!
Guide: Brooklyn and Bronx Breweries
Guide: Brooklyn and Bronx Breweries
Looking to check out brewery this summer? There are many breweries across the boroughs for beer-lovers to visit.
Looking to check out brewery this summer? There are many breweries across the boroughs for beer-lovers to visit.
61st annual Grammy Awards
61st annual Grammy Awards
Photos from the 61st annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 10, 2019, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.Photos from the 61st annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 10, 2019, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.Frida Kahlo exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum
Frida Kahlo exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum
The exhibit opens to the public on Feb. 8 and closes on May 12.The exhibit opens to the public on Feb. 8 and closes on May 12.Your 2019 Bronx Valentine's Day Photos
Your 2019 Bronx Valentine's Day Photos
Celebrate the one you love this Valentine's Day! Share your photos with us.Celebrate the one you love this Valentine's Day! Share your photos with us.Guide: Casinos
Guide: Casinos
Do you like to gamble? Or maybe you're just looking to get away for a weekend or for a night? The tri-state area has a couple casinos that may do the trick.
Do you like to gamble? Or maybe you're just looking to get away for a weekend or for a night? The tri-state area has a couple casinos that may do the trick. Here is a guide to casinos in the area.
Do you like to gamble? Or maybe you're just looking to get away for a weekend or for a night? The tri-state area has a couple casinos that may do the trick. Here is a guide to casinos in the area.
Your Bronx Weather Photos
Your Bronx Weather Photos
Share your weather photos with us on Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #BXWeather.
Share your weather photos with us on Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #BXWeather.
Boogie Down Bites Photos
Boogie Down Bites Photos
Here are some of the dishes featured on Boogie Down Bites.
Here are some of the dishes featured on Boogie Down Bites.
Just Married in The Bronx
Just Married in The Bronx
News 12 The Bronx wants to announce your wedding. If you were married in the past 90 days, please submit your photos via Twitter or Instagram using #JustMarriedBX.
News 12 The Bronx wants to announce your wedding. If you were married in the past 90 days, please submit your photos via Twitter or Instagram using #JustMarriedBX.