5 Places To Visit If You're Traveling The Underground Railroad

When planning your next travel adventure, include these historically and culturally significant destinations on your itinerary. Each location holds importance in Black history and played a pivotal role in the Underground Railroad movement.

The Colored Musicians Club

Located in Buffalo, New York, the Colored Musicians Club stands as a beacon of the city's rich musical heritage and African American cultural contributions. Established in 1917, the club provided a platform for African American musicians during an era of segregation and discrimination. It became integral to the underground railroad movement by offering a safe haven and opportunities for musicians of color. Exploring this club provides a firsthand look at the resilience and creativity of African American artists and their enduring impact on American music history.

Michigan Street Baptist Church

In the historic district of Buffalo, we found remnants of Black history pertaining to the Underground Railroad and prominent figures that helped to achieve their journey. Walking through the backyard of the Michigan Baptist Church, you’ll find plaques of information about the people who visited, gave oratories, and helped to hide our ancestors to freedom towards Canada.

The Little Harlem Hotel

Located just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the Colored Musicians Club, this hotel holds a significant place in Black history due to its association with the Underground Railroad and its role in providing shelter and support to freedom seekers. During the tumultuous times of slavery, this establishment served as a safe space for African Americans and played a part in the network of safe houses along the Underground Railroad. Today, the hotel serves as a poignant reminder of the strength and solidarity of the African American community during challenging times, reflecting the resilience and determination of those who fought for freedom and equality.

Inscription reads: In 1934 Ann Montgomery converted her ice cream parlor and Oriental Billiard Parlor on this site into the Little Harlem Hotel. Cab Calloway, Billy Eckstine, Della Reese, Sarah Vaughn and many others performed and stayed here when downtown hotels were segregated. Many entertainers returned in later years to dine and mingle with regular patrons, and heavyweight champion boxer Joe Louis stayed overnight when he was in Buffalo. Famous for its Chinese food and decor, the club was one of the oldest African American businesses in Buffalo and a favorite meeting place for African American political and business leaders. The building was destroyed by fire in 1993.

The Little Harlem Hotel is no longer standing, but to stand where it did was powerful! 

The Bigham House

Nestled in the heart of Pittsburgh, the Bigham House stands as a testament to the architectural and historical significance of the city. This elegant mansion has ties to the underground railroad, serving as a sanctuary for freedom seekers and a crucial stop along their journey to liberation. By visiting the Bigham House, travelers can gain a deeper appreciation for the city's historical role in providing refuge and support to those seeking freedom and a better life.

The Bigham house was a spot to house those traveling through the Underground Railroad. Today the house resides inside a gated community and is not visited by people outside of that community, but when there’s a will, there’s a really determined woman barging through the door.

The Bigham house hosts tours of the property, which we were not aware of but thanks to our trial and error, you can visit and get the full scoop. 

John Brown's Farm

Situated in Lake Placid, New York, John Brown's Farm is a site of immense historical significance. It was once the home of the renowned abolitionist John Brown, who dedicated his life to the fight against slavery. The farm served as a crucial stop on the Underground Railroad, offering refuge and support to freedom seekers. Visiting this farm provides a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the history of the abolitionist movement and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs faced by those fighting for freedom.

John Brown, famous for his Raid of Harpers Ferry, (formally spelled “Harper’s Ferry), was a radical abolitionist leader. He believed that slavery in the United States would not end unless there was significant bloodshed from the oppressive side. Leading up to his plans of slave insurrection using the Raid as the catalyst, he spoke with prominent figures in the civil rights community such as Frederick Douglass. Brown was also an entrepreneur.

Browns party of 22 that participated in the raid were defeated by the U.S. Marines. Ten were killed, five escaped and seven, Brown included, were tried, then executed. This battle is said to be the precursor of the Civil War. Some call it the, “Dress Rehearsal, “others call it the, “Tragic Prelude.”

Brown was buried here on John Brown’s Farm State located on 115 John Brown Rd, Lake Placid, NY on Dec 8, 1859. Six days after he was hanged for his leadership of the raid. This was his family home and personal farm.

These destinations offer a rich tapestry of Black history and the underground railroad, providing travelers with a unique opportunity to engage with the stories and resilience of those who fought for freedom and equality. By exploring these sites, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the struggles and triumphs of the past and honor the legacy of those who paved the way for a more just and equitable society.

Remember to plan your visit thoughtfully, allowing time to fully immerse yourself in the historical significance of these locations and to pay homage to the individuals and communities who contributed to the fight for freedom and equality. You can also explore local museums, historical sites, and cultural institutions to gain a comprehensive understanding of the broader historical context surrounding each destination. By doing so, you can engage with the multifaceted narratives of Black history and the Underground Railroad, gaining a deeper appreciation for the enduring impact of these pivotal moments in our shared history.