From the outside, 625 South Delhi Street looks like an average Philadelphia rowhouse. But in the 1850s, it was home to Underground Railroad leaders William and Letitia Still. Within the house’s narrow confines, they hid hundreds of escapees and gave well-known figures like Harriet Tubman shelter.
Did Harriet Tubman ever live in Philadelphia?
Abolitionist Harriet Tubman, the most famous “conductor” on the Underground Railroad, lived in Philadelphia in the decade before the Civil War.
Where did Harriet Tubman work in Philadelphia?
the Underground Railroad
Tubman found work as a housekeeper in Philadelphia, but she wasn’t satisfied living free on her own—she wanted freedom for her loved ones and friends, too. She soon returned to the south to lead her niece and her niece’s children to Philadelphia via the Underground Railroad.
What did Harriet Tubman do in Philadelphia?
She saved what she could from working as a domestic worker in Philadelphia, and crossed back over the Mason-Dixon Line on her first of at least thirteen missions to rescue family and friends and become the most famous conductor on the Underground Railroad. But Tubman was not able to permanently settle in Philadelphia.
Where did Harriet Tubman go Pennsylvania?
Philadelphia
In 1849, fearing she and other family members would be sold (the fate of several sisters), Harriet Tubman and two of her brothers escaped slavery in Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The men turned back but she walked the 90 or so miles to Philadelphia to freedom.
Was the Underground Railroad in Philadelphia?
Freedom was the goal for the thousands of enslaved Africans on the Underground Railroad, a secret network of safe houses, churches and farms that offered shelter and safety, which many found in the Philadelphia region.
When did Harriet Tubman escape to Philadelphia?
1849
Her prowess prepared her for the dangerous path she’d pursue as an adult. Tubman successfully escaped to Philadelphia in 1849. Once free, she became an operator of the Underground Railroad — a secret network of people, places and routes that provided shelter and assistance to escaping slaves.
Who helped Harriet Tubman in Philadelphia?
William Still
William Still | |
---|---|
Occupation | Abolitionist businessman philanthropist |
Known for | Working for the Pennsylvania Anti-Slavery Society Writing The Underground Railroad Records |
Spouse(s) | Letitia George ( m. 1847) |
Children | 4 |
Where was the Underground Railroad located?
There were many well-used routes stretching west through Ohio to Indiana and Iowa. Others headed north through Pennsylvania and into New England or through Detroit on their way to Canada.
Where did the Underground Railroad end?
Canada
After the passage of the Fugitive Slave Act as part of the Compromise of 1850 the Underground Railroad was rerouted to Canada as its final destination. Thousands of slaves settled in newly formed communities in Southern Ontario.
Did the Underground Railroad go through Pennsylvania?
One of the many Underground Railroad routes in western Pennsylvania came in through Uniontown in Fayette County, then traveled through Blairsville in Indiana County before continuing into Mercer, Venango and Erie Counties.
How long did the Underground Railroad last?
system used by abolitionists between 1800-1865 to help enslaved African Americans escape to free states.
Who was Harriet’s first rescue?
On April 27, 1860 in Troy, New York, Harriet Tubman helped rescue Charles Nalle, a fugitive from slavery.
What city did Harriet Tubman escaped to?
In 1849, Tubman escaped to Philadelphia, only to return to Maryland to rescue her family soon after. Slowly, one group at a time, she brought relatives with her out of the state, and eventually guided dozens of other enslaved people to freedom.
What did she do the moment she crossed the line to Pennsylvania?
6. What did she do the moment she crossed the line to Pennsylvania? The moment she crossed the line into Pennsylvania, she looked at her hands.
Who helped the slaves escape?
Harriet Tubman, perhaps the most well-known conductor of the Underground Railroad, helped hundreds of runaway slaves escape to freedom.
Why was Philadelphia important in the Underground Railroad?
Since Philadelphia was the home of the William Still, who was known as the Father of the Underground Railroad, Philadelphia would play a very important role in the Underground Railroad for escaped slaves seeking their secure and safe passage to freedom.
Can you still walk the Underground Railroad?
For more information, go to under Park & Trail Directory, click on “trails.” You can walk the Underground Railroad Trail on your own; free 2½-hour guided walks are offered Saturday mornings.
What is a safe house on the Underground Railroad?
Enslaved people escaping North would often stay in “safe houses” to escape capture. These houses were owned by people, both black and white, who were sympathetic to the cause.
What did slaves drink?
in which slaves obtained alcohol outside of the special occasions on which their masters allowed them to drink it. Some female house slaves were assigned to brew cider, beer, and/or brandy on their plantations.
What year did slavery end?
1865
The House Joint Resolution proposing the 13th amendment to the Constitution, January 31, 1865; Enrolled Acts and Resolutions of Congress, 1789-1999; General Records of the United States Government; Record Group 11; National Archives.