5 Incredible Places Around Pittsburgh That Were Once Part Of The Underground Railroad
By Beth Price-Williams|Published April 15, 2018
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
History whispers from all the corners of Pennsylvania. The state, in fact, played a significant role during the Underground Railroad. It was the first stop on the way north for many fleeing slaves on their journey toward freedom. Along the way, abolitionists provided them with safety, food, and shelter. People opened their homes, schools, and churches to help the slaves succeed in their bid for freedom. Here are five incredible places around Pittsburgh that were once part of the Underground Railroad.
1. Saint Matthew’s A.M.E. Church – 345 Thorn Street, Sewickley, PA 15143
Saint Matthews A.M.E. Church provided vital support for fugitive slaves in and around Pittsburgh. Church members would collect food for them, storing it in a hunting bag. Then, under the cover of darkness and dressed as hunters, they would travel throughout the city, providing the food to the fugitive slaves.
2. F. Julius LeMoyne House – 49 East Maiden Street, Washington, PA 15301
F. Julius LeMoyne and his family worked closely with the Underground Railroad from their home in Washington, PA. Their former home serves as a testament to the family's work to help fleeing slaves. In fact, some of the letters LeMoyne left behind were from former slaves who had been assisted by the LeMoyne Family in their quest for freedom.
The Gibson House, also known as Mark Twain Manor, is known to have been a stop on the Underground Railroad. The historic home, at which Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) once stayed was discovered to have a hidden room in the basement in 1956. Fleeing slaves hid in that room, with only a five foot ceiling, on their journey to freedom.
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4. John Brown Farm & Museum – 17620 John Brown Road, Guys Mills, PA 16327
Abolitionist John Brown opened his home to fleeing slaves as a stop on the Underground Railroad. In fact, he is said to have helped 2,500 individuals safely make it to the next stop on their journey. Today, the property serves as a museum. Visitors can learn more about John Brown and his contribution to the Underground Railroad.
5. Bigham House – Chatham Village, Mt. Washington PA 15211
Perched atop Mount Washington, Bigham House once housed abolitionist Thomas Bigham. The attorney, who also edited the The Commercial Journal Anti-Slavery Newspaper, is said to have opened his home as a stop along the Underground Railroad. Today, the home is part of the historic Chatham Village.
Do you know of any other places near Pittsburgh that played a role in the Underground Railroad? Share below! Then, click here to read about six historical trails around Pittsburgh.
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