Historical Events in Syracuse
The 15th Ward and Urban Renewal
The 15th Ward was historically one of Syracuse's most vibrant African American neighborhoods. It was a close-knit community that developed in the early 20th century and was known for its rich cultural life, local businesses, churches, and strong communal ties. However, in the 1950s and 1960s, this neighborhood became a target for urban renewal programs, a process often referred to as "slum clearance." Under urban renewal policies, the city identified the 15th Ward for demolition to make way for the construction of I-81 and other development projects.
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The Destruction of Syracuse’s 15th Ward
Our Stories: the 15th Ward and Beyond
I-81 Highway Robbery: The razing of Syracuse’s 15th Ward
Little Italy
During the late 19th century, Italians began to settle in Syracuse's Northside neighborhood, following earlier waves of Irish and German immigrants. They were drawn by the shared culture, language, and Catholic faith of the community. This area soon earned the nickname "Little Italy." Over time, the Italian-American community flourished, contributing significantly to the growth of the neighborhood, with Italians constructing churches, opening businesses, and establishing family-run establishments.
At its height, North Salina Street was home to Italian newspapers and a range of thriving businesses, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of Palermo, Italy. However, by the 1970s, many businesses in Little Italy began to close as local jobs diminished, leading to a population decline. Despite these changes, Italian culture remains an integral part of Syracuse's identity, with festivals such as Ferragosto and La Festa Italiana continuing to celebrate the legacy of Italian immigrants in the city.
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Little Italy: Yesterday and Today
Construction of Interstate 81
The construction of I-81 is perhaps the most defining moment in Syracuse's modern history. The elevated highway was built right through the heart of the city and, more specifically, through the 15th Ward. While I-81 was meant to improve transportation and economic development by connecting the city to other major routes, it had devastating consequences for the local Black community. Beyond displacing residents, I-81 physically divided the city, creating a barrier between the downtown area and the neighborhoods to the south, exacerbating economic and racial divides.
The Erie Canal
The canal connected the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean via the Hudson River, turning Syracuse into a major transportation and trade hub. The canal’s route brought economic growth, attracting industries like salt production and boosting the population. The Erie Canal helped transform Syracuse from a small village into an industrial city.
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Civil Rights Movement
African American communities in the city, particularly those impacted by the destruction of the 15th Ward, played a significant role in the local civil rights movement. Protests, advocacy, and legal battles were fought over issues such as housing discrimination, school desegregation, and police brutality. Organizations such as the Syracuse chapter of the NAACP and other local groups worked tirelessly to fight for equality and justice, challenging the systemic racism that had long affected the city.
The underground railroad
Participate in the abolitionist movement
Historical location in the city
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