8 Incredible Places Around Philadelphia That Were Once Part Of The Underground Railroad
By Kim Magaraci|Published February 18, 2018
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Kim Magaraci
Author
Kim Magaraci graduated Rutgers University with a degree in Geography and has spent the last seven years as a freelance travel writer. Contact: kmagaraci@onlyinyourstate.com
Philadelphia has a strong Quaker heritage and was central to the Abolitionist movement in this country. It’s no surprise that many influential Philadelphians worked tirelessly to assist runaway and fugitive slaves on their road to freedom. Today, there’s evidence of the struggle for basic human rights in many of the city’s neighborhoods. Take a few minutes to read about these historic places along the Underground Railroad in Philadelphia.
Judge Richard Peters lived at the beautiful Belmont Mansion, and he frequently purchased slaves in order to free them. His home was a stop along the Underground Railroad, and the museum on-site tells the story of the Underground Railroad in Philadelphia.
Mother Bethel was the first African Methodist Church in the country and sits on the oldest known African-owned plot of land in the city. The basement here was a safe haven for runaway slaves traveling on the Underground Railroad. Frederick Douglass and Sojourner Truth are among the famous abolitionists that have spoken here.
Richard Allen and Absalom Jones became the first licensed Methodist ministers in the country at this historic church that was involved in the Abolitionist movement. When the white congregants of the church attempted to segregate the black members, Allen and Jones left the congregation and founded Mother Bethel and Mother African Zoar.
The Johnson Site is an intact, preserved Underground Railroad stop that's accessible to visitors. This home was owned by Quaker abolitionists who worked tirelessly to ensure safe passage to freedom for slaves along the Underground Railroad.
5. Mother African Zoar United Methodist Church, Northern Liberties
Mother African Zoar was one of the first African congregations in the country, founded after the split from St. George's. The church was a stop along the Underground Railroad during the 1800s until the abolition of slavery.
Thornfield is a significant historic home because it was the boyhood home of Thomas Garrett. Garrett became one of the most important conductors along the Underground Railroad, bringing thousands of slaves up north through Delaware, along with Harriet Tubman.
Oakdale is an estate that was once owned by a wealthy Quaker farmer and active Abolitionist. The carriage house on the grounds was a safe room for fugitive slaves working their way to freedom.
White Horse Farm was home to Elijah Funk Pennypacker and his wife Hannah Adamson Pennypacker. Pennypacker was an outspoken Abolitionist who worked with county and state initiatives. In 1840, he opened his home to become a station along the Underground Railroad in Philadelphia. Here, slaves could rest before moving north to Norristown or other safe stations.
Philadelphia is evidence that even though we were suffering through a dark, horrible time in our country’s history, people came together to do what was right. If you enjoy experiencing Philadelphia history and significant contributions by Philadelphians, you’ll want to read about the 14 Best Museums In Philadelphia That You Absolutely Must Visit, and plan a trip this spring.
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