New York State Rich with Underground Railroad History
New York State was at the forefront of the Underground Railroad and anti-slavery movement. Its proximity to Canada, large African-American population, and reform movements made it a destination of choice for many African-Americans fleeing slavery along the Eastern seaboard.
The Underground Railroad was comprised of a network of people willing to risk their lives to escape slavery or to help others in their escape. It includes homes, churches and other structures in which enslaved African-Americans sought shelter while on the route to freedom. From 1827, when slavery was abolished in New York State, until the end of the Civil War in 1865, fugitive slaves looked to New Yorkers for refuge, passage to Canada and protection from slave catchers. During Black History Month, and all throughout the year, you can tour historic sites statewide to learn more about the Underground Railroad and the bravery and struggles of its "passengers" and "conductors". Check out a listing of upcoming Black History Month events.
HISTORIC SITES
The Gerrit Smith Estate National Historic Landmark
Peterboro, Central New York
Wealthy landowner Gerrit Smith is considered by contemporary scholars to be the most powerful 19th C. abolitionist in the United States. Smith provided freedom, safe haven, support, and employment for hundreds of freedom seekers. He also supported the work of scores of abolitionists, including Frederick Douglass and John Brown. The Gerrit Smith Estate National Historic Landmark offers exhibits (on the Smith family, the Underground Railroad and African American history) tours, programs, special events, a film presentation, a heritage mercantile, and multiple historic structures. The site is less than one-tenth mile from its historic companion, the Smithfield Community Center / National Abolition Hall of Fame and Museum. Please click here from more information.
Harriet Tubman Home
Auburn, Finger Lakes
Known as the Moses of Her People, a conductor on the Underground Railroad, made numerous trips south over 11 years to free many enslaved Africans. Tubman also acted as a spy during the Civil War operating behind enemy lines with a bounty on her head. The site includes the Home of the Aged where she cared for the elderly for the last 50 years of her life. Her gravesite is nearby.
Howland Stone Store Museum
Aurora, Finger Lakes
The 1837 Cobblestone store was a station on the Underground Railroad and was owned by abolitionist Slocum Howland, who assisted and employed freedom-seekers. His daughter Emily Howland was also an abolitionist and active in woman’s rights, education, peace and temperance.
John Brown Farm
Lake Placid, The Adirondacks
Farmhouse and gravesite of the ardent and passionate abolitionist John Brown. John Brown fought against the expansion of slavery into Kansas. He is best known for his failed raid on Harpers Ferry.
King Manor
Jamaica, Queens, New York City
A signer of the Constitution, Senator Rufus King’s powerful speeches declared slavery’s illegality and urged the exclusion of slavery from new states. His eldest son, Governor John Alsop King, also worked to restrict slavery’s expansion.
Matilda Joslyn Gage House
Fayetteville, Finger Lakes
One of only two people in Fayetteville to open her home as an Underground Railroad stop. Suffrage leader and abolitionist Matilda Josyln Gage signed a petition declaring her intention to publicly defy the 1850 Fugitive Slave Law.
Old Fort House Museum
Fort Edward, Capital-Saratoga
On Christmas day in 1829, Solomon Northup and his bride Ann Hampton moved into the Smyth House, “old yellow house”, and lived there until around 1832. Solomon was a free black man born in Minerva, NY who was kidnapped and sold into slavery while working in Saratoga Springs. Solomon probably moved to Fort Edward because his father, Mintus Northup had lived just around the corner from where the Smyth House stands. He contracted work as a timber rafter on the nearby Hudson River and also worked as a repair laborer on the Champlain Canal in the winter season Northup wrote “Twelve Years a Slave” describing his ordeal.
Philipsburg Manor
Upper Mills, Hudson Valley
Philipsburg Manor is a late 17th/early 18th-century milling, farming, and trading complex, that interprets the daily life and culture of the enslaved Africans who lived and worked on the site.
Seth M. Gates House
Warsaw, Greater Niagara
Underground Railroad safe house and home of retired U.S. Congressman Seth M. Gates, an anti-slavery advocate, and conductor of the Underground Railroad.
Seward House
Auburn, Finger Lakes
In the 1850s, U.S. Senator William H. Seward and his wife Frances sheltered fugitive slaves in their family home and in 1859 provided land for Harriet Tubman’s home in Auburn.
Smithfield Community Center/National Abolition Hall of Fame and Museum
Peterboro, Central New York
The tower of the Smithfield Community Center standing tall above Peterboro guides the visitor to the hamlet today just as it did in 1835 when abolitionists were driven out of Utica during a meeting to form the New York State Anti-Slavery Society. Invited to reconvene in Peterboro, 400 delegates traveled in harsh conditions to complete their meeting.
The home of the National Abolition Hall of Fame and Museum (NAHOF), is on the second floor of the building. The Induction Banners of the Abolitionist Inductees and temporary abolition exhibits help tell the story of American Abolition. Open in 2010 for special events and by appointment.
Weeksville Heritage Center
Brooklyn, New York City
Weeksville’s Historic Hunterfly Road Houses are the remnants of a vibrant, self-sufficient African American community settled in the 1830’s that included former slaves. Presentation of Weeksville history is provided through school tours, a walking tour, after school and various family programs.
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INTERPRETIVE CENTERS
Brooklyn Tourism and Visitors Center
Brooklyn, New York City
View a video and exhibit on the important contributions of New Yorker to the anti-slavery movement
Fenton History Center
Fenton, Chautauqua-Allegheny
Learn about the important role Jamestown and Chautauqua County, New York residents played in the Underground Railroad
Murphy Orchards
Burt, Greater Niagara
Tour the grounds and discover the abolitionist McClew family and their world.
Rochester Museum and Science Center
Rochester, Finger Lakes
Lear about Fredrick Douglass and all of the important abolitionists fighting for freedom in Rochester.
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TOUR EXPERIENCES
AKWAABA: The Heritage Associates, Inc
Rochester, Finger Lakes
Meet historical figures from the past and learn about the Underground Railroad as you are guided around Rochester NY.
Underground Railroad History Project of the Capital Region
Albany, Capital-Saratoga
Explore the rich underground Railroad history of downtown Albany.
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