The Underground Railroad was a trail of safe houses, where slaves could hide as they escaped northward to freedom. New York ’s integral role in the Underground Railroad helped as many as 100,000 slaves escape the south throughout the 1800s. With numerous “stations” located throughout the state, New York homes, churches and orchards were popular destinations for escaped slaves who needed a night to rest. Two such safe houses along the Underground Railroad include the homes of Harriet Tubman and William H. Seward, a U.S. senator who is most famous for his “folly” in purchasing Alaska . Both historical sites are located in Auburn and can be visited during Black History Month and throughout the year. Other nearby Underground Railroad exhibits in Syracuse and Rochester are also open year-round.

Here are some key New York destinations for history buffs who want to explore the history and heritage of New York ’s Underground Railroad Heritage Trail and the notable African Americans associated with its passionate stories.

Underground Railroad Destinations Open in February

Harriet Tubman Home – Known as “The Moses of Her People,” Harriet Tubman is regarded as the driving force behind the Underground Railroad’s success. After freeing herself from slavery and settling in this home in Auburn, outside of Syracuse , she returned to the South to rescue other members of her family. Ultimately, she assisted more than 300 slaves in their journey to freedom in the North. For more information, visit: www.heritageny.gov/Railroad/railrd.cfm .

Seward House – In the 1850s, U.S. Senator William H. Seward and his wife Frances sheltered fugitive slaves in their family home, also in Auburn , and provided land for Harriet Tubman’s home in 1859. For more information, visit: www.sewardhouse.org .

Fort Hill Cemetery – Set on a hill overlooking downtown Auburn, Fort Hill Cemetery was used as a burial ground by Native Americans, dating back as far as 1,100 A.D. It is also the resting place of abolitionists Harriet Tubman and William H. Seward. For more information, visit www.cayuganet.org/forthill .

Jerry Rescue Monument – Located in Syracuse, the Jerry Rescue Monument commemorates the rescue of fugitive slave William “Jerry” Henry. Local citizens stormed his jail cell and helped him escape to freedom along the Underground Railroad. For more information, visit: www.cnyhistory.org .

Underground Railroad Exhibits

Frederick Douglass Exhibit – Explore the Frederick Douglass exhibit at the Rochester Museum & Science Center . A former slave, Douglass was a brilliant and convincing speaker, who played an instrumental role in maintaining the Underground Railroad and leading the abolitionist movement. He later served as an advisor to President Abraham Lincoln. Visit: www.rmsc.org for more information.

Freedom Bound: Syracuse & the Underground Railroad – This permanent exhibit of the Onondaga Historical Association Museum, features three of seven carved faces recovered from the basement of Syracuse's 1846 Wesleyan Methodist Church. The carvings help tell the story of a dramatic escape of fugitive slaves seeking freedom. The exhibit also illustrates the difficult decision to escape, which forced slaves to leave behind family and the only world they knew, in search of freedom. For more information, visit www.cnyhistory.org .

Other Underground Railroad Sites Open in the Summer

Beginning in late April, guests can explore more than 25 additional historical sites, churches and interpretative centers located across the state’s Underground Railroad Heritage Trail.

Gerrit Smith Estate: Known as the “Grand Central Station of the Underground Railroad” because of the large number of African Americans who passed through Peterboro , N.Y. , the Gerrit Smith Estate was a major resting place for refugees from slavery. Visit www.sca-peterboro.org/gsenhl.html to learn more.

M’Clintock House: Located in Waterloo, N.Y., the M’Clintock House was owned by Thomas and Mary Ann M’Clintock, abolitionists and Quakers who once provided shelter for the Rev. Jermain Loguen, who played an important role in the famous “Jerry Rescue” in Syracuse. Visit www.heritageny.gov/Railroad/railrd.cfm .

Murphy Orchards: This farmstead located in Burt, N.Y. was owned by Charles and Libby McClew in 1850. Identified as “station masters” of the Underground Railroad, the McClews used a 10x12-foot chamber under the barn as a hiding place for escaped slaves. Hopkins Creek, which flows through the property, was believed to be an important geographic feature used to navigate towards other “safe havens” and Canada . Visit www.murphyorchards.com for more information.

For more information about other sites along the Underground Railroad Heritage Trail in New York , visit: www.heritageny.gov/Railroad/railrd.cfm .

Until next time!