These 19th-century skeletons have staked their claim on what is perhaps the last untapped real estate on Manhattan.
On Tuesday, construction workers discovered the bones of about a dozen people contained in a vault while upgrading the water mains that run beneath Washington Square Park, according to Pix 11.
The 8-foot-deep, 15-foot-wide and 20-foot-long vault was discovered along the east end of the park and holds human remains that are more than one hundred years old.
Archaeologist Alyssa Loorya told Fox 5 news that it is believed to be part of a Presbyterian church burial ground. In the late 1700's, the park was also once used as a site for public executions and burials, though that pre-dates the tombs where these skeletons were found.
Washington Square Park is located in downtown Manhattan and is one of the city's most famous public parks. It's also considered the center point of New York University's "campus," as many of the freshman dorms and university buildings surround the park.
No word on whether the catacombs will be included in the school's admission brochures.
The Landmarks Commission will evaluate the site with a team of archeologists and anthropologists. Until then, the area will be blocked off and pedestrian traffic will be diverted.
The DDC did not immediately respond to a request for comment.