An early speculative short story about the "colorline" in the U.S. and the apocalypse. Originally published in the book Darkwater: Voices from within the Veil.
Washington Square, formerly Southeast Square, was one of the five original public squares William Penn designated in his 1682 plan. Starting in 1706, it was used as a Potter’s Field . This served as a burial ground for poor Philadelphians, as well as Black and Native people who weren’t allowed to be buried elsewhere. It also served as a mass grave on several occasions, including thousands of bodies from each of the Revolutionary War and the Yellow Fever epidemics. The square was a gathering place for Black Philadelphians, in part, apparently, to prevent grave robbers from selling the bodies of their loved ones to the burgeoning medical establishment. Burials in Washington Square ceased in 1794, but dumping of refuse continued for a half a century. It was rejuvenated in 1842 and has been a park ever since.
Between the years of 1793 and 1805, there were six outbreaks of yellow fever, the worst of which was in 1793. In 1793, those who were wealthy enough to leave the city did (about 40%). It was thought at the time that all Black people were immune to the disease, so much of the work of caring for the sick fell on African Americans. Interestingly, the virus was spread to Philadelphia through European soldiers who were being sent to Haiti to attempt to repress the revolution which took place between 1791 and 1804.
Due to an increasing population, aquifer drying up, and saltwater intrusion, Montauk and East Hampton reached an agreement and extended the East Hampton water pipeline to Montauk. Although the Concerned Citizens of Montauk fought against this decision, they were instrumental in making sure that there would be no future contamination as the pipeline was being built/extended.
Montauk fishing hub is the one of the largest fishing hubs in the entire Northeast. The fishing industry accelerated after the sinking of The Pelican but recently it is in decline as new regulations and restrictions limit number of fish that can be caught and the time of year (shortening fishing season).
In the 1970s, citizens of Montauk started noticing that up at Montauk Bluffs due to loose gravel and lack of care and attention, that erosion has been going on for decades and the bluffs have eroded over 15 feet. Montauk has moved walking trails further inland accordingly and have put up signs and railings to prevent people and cars from getting to close to the edge.