What was here before?
Originally inhabited by the Lenape, this parcel was later part of Welsh merchant Richard Morris’s (1730-1810) property. The site was inherited by “founding father”, Gouverneur Morris (1752-1816) in the late 18th century, and his son ultimately divided the property for development. James R. Marvin (1831-1896), a prominent lawyer, purchased this plot. Marvin worked for the Village of Morrisania before the consolidation of the boroughs and as counsel to his neighbor and furniture magnate, Henry P. DeGraaf.
How did this site become a garden?
The City acquired the property in 1916 and assigned it to the Parks Department in 1930, and the park opened five years later. More land was added in 1945, and in 1952, the City Council passed a local law that named the property in honor of Sergeant Cornelius H. Charlton (1929-1951).
Show Disclaimer
Feature
Learn about the trials and triumphs of the black experience in the United States and how New York City honors black history in our parks today.
Highlights
Check out your park's Vital Signs
Clean & Safe
Green & Resilient
Empowered & Engaged Users
Share your feedback or learn more about how this park is part of a Vital Park System