Leverett Beman Historic District

The Beman Family and the Anti-Slavery Movement

The Beman family was instrumental in the anti-slavery movement. Jehiel Beman, the first pastor of Cross Street A.M.E. Zion Church, transformed the church into a center for abolitionist activity. His wife, Clarissa, founded the Middletown Colored Female Anti-Slavery Society in 1834, while their son, Amos, represented Connecticut at national anti-slavery conventions.

Center of Liberation and Advocacy

The Leverett Beman Historic District, also known as the Beman Triangle, was one of Connecticut’s first free Black neighborhoods. It was home to the Cross Street A.M.E. Zion Church, anti-slavery organizations, and served as a stop on the Underground Railroad. The neighborhood became a symbol of Black independence through property ownership.

Leverett Beman’s Acquisition and Legacy

In 1846, Leverett Beman bought much of the land from his sister-in-law, Mary Ann Jeffrey, who was at risk of losing it due to debt. Leverett divided the property into eleven small lots, ensuring the area remained a center for Black land ownership. Today, many of the properties are owned by Wesleyan University, preserving the family’s legacy.