Changes in the Land
Liberty State Park
Prior to 1860, the area surrounding you was mostly brackish waters, salt marshes and mudflats of a tidal estuary. Known to the native Lenape as Communipaw Cove, these wetlands were a rich source of fish, waterfowl and shellfish. Early Dutch and English settlers also relied upon this vast wealth of marine resources for their survival.
In the later half of the 19th century, the rise of the railroads resulted in dramatic changes to this landscape. In order to run tracks to parts of the harbor deep enough to dock vessels, the railroad companies gradually filled in the shallow marshlands.
This fill consisted of harbor dredgings, New York subway excavation materials, rock from the Palisades and waste from other industrial activities. In a span of 70 years, the tidal waters and wetlands of Communipaw Cove were almost totally replaced by fill, creating the land upon which you now stand.
The evolution of Liberty State Park and the development of the Hudson River Waterfront has occurred during the past century using soil that is known as historic fill. This fill may be harmful to people if ingested. However, the areas containing this fill have become the home of a unique and fragile environment. The walkways provide an opportunity for you to view this unique environment while protecting it and you. For your safety and the protection of the environment, please stay on the walkways.
Marker is at the intersection of Audrey Zapp Drive and Phillip Street, on the right when traveling east on Audrey Zapp Drive.
Courtesy hmdb.org
