PENNSYLVANIA STATE - Pennsylvania, the Keystone State, played a pivotal role in the Underground Railroad, a clandestine network that helped thousands of enslaved people escape to freedom in the 19th century. Today, the state offers a poignant journey through history, where visitors can explore the hidden routes, safe houses, and stories of courage and resilience that defined this remarkable movement.
Journey to Freedom: Exploring the Underground Railroad in Pennsylvania
Bordering slave states to the south, Pennsylvania was the first free state many freedom seekers encountered on their northward journey. Its diverse landscape, from bustling cities to rural farmlands, provided ample opportunities for concealment and escape. Quakers, abolitionists, and free Black communities throughout the state played crucial roles in aiding those fleeing bondage.
Key Sites and Stories
- Philadelphia: The city of Brotherly Love was a major hub of abolitionist activity. The Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, founded in 1794, served as a vital meeting place and a stop on the Underground Railroad. The Johnson House Historic Site in Germantown, a Quaker home, hid freedom seekers in its secret attic room.
- Kennett Square: This small town in Chester County was a crucial crossroads on the Underground Railroad. The Kennett Square Underground Railroad Center tells the stories of the many safe houses and "conductors" who risked their lives to help others escape.
- Reading: The Reading Railroad Station was a key transit point for those fleeing slavery. The city also boasts several safe houses and the Central Pennsylvania African American Museum, which highlights the region's Underground Railroad history.
- Harrisburg: The Across the Way Bed and Breakfast, a restored Victorian mansion, served as a safe haven for freedom seekers.
- Washington, PA: The Lemoyne House, a National Historic Landmark, was home to John Julius LeMoyne, a physician and ardent abolitionist who provided medical care and shelter to escaping slaves.
Tracing the Routes
The Underground Railroad wasn't a literal railroad but a network of secret routes and safe houses. Following these routes today offers a powerful connection to the past:
- The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway: This scenic byway in Maryland and Delaware traces the routes used by Harriet Tubman, the legendary "conductor" who made numerous trips to guide others to freedom.
- The National Park Service Network to Freedom: This program designates sites across the country that played a significant role in the Underground Railroad, including several in Pennsylvania.
Beyond the Sites
Exploring the Underground Railroad in Pennsylvania is more than just visiting historical locations. It's about understanding the stories of the brave individuals who risked everything for freedom and those who aided them in their journey. It's about recognizing the legacy of this movement and its impact on the fight for equality and justice.
Resources for Exploration
- VisitPA.com: Provides information on Underground Railroad sites and itineraries.
- The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission: Offers resources and historical markers related to the Underground Railroad.
- Local Historical Societies and Museums: Often have exhibits and programs dedicated to local Underground Railroad history.
By embarking on a journey through Pennsylvania's Underground Railroad history, you'll gain a deeper understanding of this pivotal chapter in American history and the enduring human spirit's quest for freedom.
