While NY was still a slave State, Rochester was the residence of a remarkable African American, named Asa Dunbar. For a little history, the first slave auction in what would become NY State was held in 1655, when we were still New Amsterdam. The last slaves in NY State were freed on July 4, 1827. Also, a little known fact, for Hamilton fans, is that Aaron Burr was a driver in outlawing slavery in NY.

While NY was still a slave State, Rochester was the residence of a remarkable African American, named Asa Dunbar. For a little history, the first slave auction in what would become NY State was held in 1655, when we were still New Amsterdam. The last slaves in NY State were freed on July 4, 1827. Also, a little known fact, for Hamilton fans, is that Aaron Burr was a driver in outlawing slavery in NY.

Asa Dunbar, was black, but many accounts refer to him as a mulatto. He is reported to have moved to the Rochester area in 1795 and to have had a successful farm for his family of six near what is now North Winton Road. He is also possibly the first black elected official in the State, or certainly in this part of Western NY. He was at one point selected by his fellow citizens to serve as City attorney on at least one occasion.