Canada’s Canada’s UndergroundUnderground

Railroad Railroad ConnectionConnection

And then what happened?And then what happened?© R. Writer and D. June© R. Writer and D. June

Walt Whitman’sWalt Whitman’s“Leaves of Grass”“Leaves of Grass”

Traditional Song of SouthTraditional Song of South

http://sniff.numachi.com/pages/tiTOCANADA;ttOSUSANNA.html

I’m On My Way to CanadaI’m On My Way to Canada[Oh Susanna][Oh Susanna]

I'm on way to Canada, That cold and dreary land; The sad effects of slavery, I can no I'm on way to Canada, That cold and dreary land; The sad effects of slavery, I can no longer stand. I've served my master all my days, Without a dime's reward; And now I'm forced to longer stand. I've served my master all my days, Without a dime's reward; And now I'm forced to run away, To flee the lash abroad. run away, To flee the lash abroad.

Farewell, old master, don't think hard of me, I'm on my way to Canada, where all the slaves are Farewell, old master, don't think hard of me, I'm on my way to Canada, where all the slaves are free. free.

The hounds are baying on my track, Old master comes behind, Resolved that he will The hounds are baying on my track, Old master comes behind, Resolved that he will bring me back, Before I cross the line; I'm now embarked for yonder shore, There a man's a man bring me back, Before I cross the line; I'm now embarked for yonder shore, There a man's a man by law; The iron horse will bear me o'er, To shake the lion's paw. by law; The iron horse will bear me o'er, To shake the lion's paw.

Oh, righteous Father, will thou not pity me, And aid me on to Canada, where all the Oh, righteous Father, will thou not pity me, And aid me on to Canada, where all the slaves are free. slaves are free.

Oh, I heard Queen Victoria say, That if we would forsake Our native land of slavery, Oh, I heard Queen Victoria say, That if we would forsake Our native land of slavery, And come across the lake; That she was standing on the shore, With arms extended wide, To give And come across the lake; That she was standing on the shore, With arms extended wide, To give us all a peaceful home Beyond the rolling tide us all a peaceful home Beyond the rolling tide

Farewell, old master, don't think hard of me, I'm on my way to Canada, where all the Farewell, old master, don't think hard of me, I'm on my way to Canada, where all the slaves are free.slaves are free.

According to Eric Foner, "A song well known to runaway slaves...According to Eric Foner, "A song well known to runaway slaves...““-- -- http://sniff.numachi.com/pages/tiTOCANADA;ttOSUSANNA.html--http://sniff.numachi.com/pages/tiTOCANADA;ttOSUSANNA.html--

African slave tradeAfrican slave trade

httphttp://://www.slaverysite.com/Body/maps.htm#map4www.slaverysite.com/Body/maps.htm#map4; ; http://http://www.hmdb.org/marker.asp?marker=41872www.hmdb.org/marker.asp?marker=41872; ; http://http://chnm.gmu.edu/cyh/primary-sources/150chnm.gmu.edu/cyh/primary-sources/150

Africa—The Door of No ReturnAfrica—The Door of No Return

Photo by Jared Writer, Ghana, 2005Photo by Jared Writer, Ghana, 2005

http://www.angelfire.com/realm3/american-muslim/AfricanSlavery.htmlhttp://www.angelfire.com/realm3/american-muslim/AfricanSlavery.html; ; http://www.angelfire.com/realm3/american- muslim/AfricanSlavery.htmlhttp://www.angelfire.com/realm3/american- muslim/AfricanSlavery.html; ; Stephen Middleton and Charlotte M. Stokes. Stephen Middleton and Charlotte M. Stokes. The African American Experience, A History.The African American Experience, A History.Parisippany, NJ: Globe Fearon, 1999. Parisippany, NJ: Globe Fearon, 1999.

Middle PassageMiddle Passage

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part1/1narr4.htmlhttp://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part1/1narr4.html

httphttp://africanhistory.about.com/od/slaveryimages/ig/Slavery-Images-Gallery://africanhistory.about.com/od/slaveryimages/ig/Slavery-Images-Gallery//

Diorama at John Freeman Walls Museum, Puce, Ontario, photo by D. June, 2005 Diorama at John Freeman Walls Museum, Puce, Ontario, photo by D. June, 2005

Life in Slave South NOT IdealLife in Slave South NOT IdealCurrier and Ives, 1884, after William Aiken Walker, The Big B Cotton Plantation

Underground RailroadUnderground Railroad

The engraving "Heavy Weights - Arrival of a Party at League Island" shows escaped slaves arriving on an island near Philadelphia.

American School/Bridgeman Art Library/Getty Images http://history.howstuffworks.com/historical-events/underground-railroad2.htm

WhenWhen

1800-18611800-1861 Fugitive Slave Act--1850Fugitive Slave Act--1850

WhatWhat Slave about to steal himselfSlave about to steal himself Not undergroundNot underground Not railroadNot railroad Informal system Informal system SecretSecret Code wordsCode words

ConductorsConductors PassengersPassengers TrainsTrains CargoCargo Stations Stations http://www.legendsofkansas.com/people/Fugitive%20slaves.jpghttp://www.legendsofkansas.com/people/Fugitive%20slaves.jpg

Established routesEstablished routes

Not a RailroadNot a Railroad

Photo by D. June 2005 at Puce, ONPhoto by D. June 2005 at Puce, ON

Charles T. Webber, 1893Charles T. Webber, 1893

httphttp://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/98510370://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/98510370// --public domain --public domain

WhoWho

Fugitive slaves—30-50,000Fugitive slaves—30-50,000 Quakers, MethodistsQuakers, Methodists Urban/ruralUrban/rural Black/whiteBlack/white Anyone who hated slaveryAnyone who hated slavery

Famous ConductorsFamous Conductors

Laura Haviland Laura Haviland https://https://fredericksburghistory.wordpress.comfredericksburghistory.wordpress.com

Harriet TubmanHarriet Tubmanhttp://www.math.buffalo.edu/~sww/0history/hwny-tubman.htmlhttp://www.math.buffalo.edu/~sww/0history/hwny-tubman.html

Alexander RossAlexander Rosshttp://undergroundtocanadasite.weebly.com/abolitionists.htmlhttp://undergroundtocanadasite.weebly.com/abolitionists.html

Levi CoffinLevi Coffinhttp://www.waynet.org/levicoffin/http://www.waynet.org/levicoffin/

Laura HavilandLaura Haviland

Philanthropist, Abolitionist, QuakerPhilanthropist, Abolitionist, Quaker Born in Canada 1808; lived to age of 90Born in Canada 1808; lived to age of 90 Founded Raisin River Institute in 1837Founded Raisin River Institute in 1837 Biracial, manual labor educational institutionBiracial, manual labor educational institution First Michigan station of Underground RailroadFirst Michigan station of Underground Railroad 1845 in 6 weeks erysipelas took husband, 1845 in 6 weeks erysipelas took husband,

mother, father, sister, and childmother, father, sister, and child

Devoted life toDevoted life to

assisting freedmenassisting freedmenhttp://http://michiganradio.org/post/michigan-woman-was-conductor-underground-railroadmichiganradio.org/post/michigan-woman-was-conductor-underground-railroad

http://http://havilands.org/HavilandsCom/Biographies/LauraSmithHaviland/index.htmlhavilands.org/HavilandsCom/Biographies/LauraSmithHaviland/index.html

Harriet TubmanHarriet Tubman

Born circa 1820—Bucktown, MDBorn circa 1820—Bucktown, MD Escaped circa 1849Escaped circa 1849 At least 30 trips back to SouthAt least 30 trips back to South Tried to free husband—remarriedTried to free husband—remarried Illiterate but military geniusIlliterate but military genius ““Dead Men Tell No Tales”Dead Men Tell No Tales” St. Catherines—favorite destinationSt. Catherines—favorite destination Lived rest of life in Auburn, NYLived rest of life in Auburn, NYhttp://www.math.buffalo.edu/~http://www.math.buffalo.edu/~sww/0history/hwny-tubman.htmlsww/0history/hwny-tubman.html

Alexander RossAlexander Ross

Canadian doctorCanadian doctor Posed as ornithologistPosed as ornithologist Used birds as coverUsed birds as cover Slave masters unaware of Ross’ intentSlave masters unaware of Ross’ intent Continued to work after Civil WarContinued to work after Civil War Invited by Lincoln to break Montreal spy ringInvited by Lincoln to break Montreal spy ring

Levi and CatherineCoffinLevi and CatherineCoffin

Ohio RiverOhio River Unofficial presidentUnofficial presidenthttp://www.waynet.org/levicoffin/http://www.waynet.org/levicoffin/

Map Showing Comparative Area of Northern and Southern StatesMap Showing Comparative Area of Northern and Southern Stateshttp://www.americaslegacylinks.com/underground-railroad.htmlhttp://www.americaslegacylinks.com/underground-railroad.html

Map - Underground Railroad routes, as drawn by Wilbur H. Seibert 1898

Why to Canada?Why to Canada?

1791—John Graves Simcoe—Lt. Gov.1791—John Graves Simcoe—Lt. Gov. 1793—case of Chole Cooley sold to man in 1793—case of Chole Cooley sold to man in

New YorkNew York After War of 1812—blacks free in CanadaAfter War of 1812—blacks free in Canada Upheld in courts—protection of British lawUpheld in courts—protection of British law

PropagandaPropaganda

Detroit River—3000 miles wideDetroit River—3000 miles wide Only could grow black eyed peas Only could grow black eyed peas Barren land to northBarren land to north Canadians were cannibalsCanadians were cannibals

Communication dispelled these liesCommunication dispelled these lies

Detroit River from Amherstburg, Ontario—photo by R. Writer 2006Detroit River from Amherstburg, Ontario—photo by R. Writer 2006

DestinationsDestinations

Bordewich, Fergus M. Bordewich, Fergus M. Bound for Canaan: The Epic Story of the Underground Railroad, America’s First Civil Rights Movement.Bound for Canaan: The Epic Story of the Underground Railroad, America’s First Civil Rights Movement. New York: Amistad An New York: Amistad An Imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, 2005. Imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, 2005.

Codes and MethodsCodes and Methods

Alexander Ross—used mathAlexander Ross—used mathhttp://undergroundtocanadasite.weebly.com/abolitionists.htmhttp://undergroundtocanadasite.weebly.com/abolitionists.htm

Moss on north side of treesMoss on north side of trees Follow the drinking gourdFollow the drinking gourd Travel at nightTravel at night LanternsLanterns QuiltsQuilts Eat whatever foundEat whatever foundPhoto of mulberry tree in Puce, ON, by R. Writer 2006Photo of mulberry tree in Puce, ON, by R. Writer 2006

Skillful MessagesSkillful Messages

Passed on through objectsPassed on through objects Often seen as invisibleOften seen as invisible Nothing on paper—illegal to educate; more Nothing on paper—illegal to educate; more

dangerous to be discovereddangerous to be discovered DrummingDrumming SongsSongs Fearful of being caughtFearful of being caught

Gabriel ProsserGabriel Prosser Denmark VeseyDenmark Vesey Nat TurnerNat Turner

Photos taken at Uncle Tom’s Cabin, Dresden, ON, by R. WriterPhotos taken at Uncle Tom’s Cabin, Dresden, ON, by R. Writer

QuiltsQuilts Encoding thruEncoding thru

PatternsPatterns DesignDesign ColorColor Strip piecingStrip piecing Stitches Stitches

Hidden in Plain View: A Secret Story of Quilts and the Underground RailroadHidden in Plain View: A Secret Story of Quilts and the Underground Railroad

by Jacqueline Tobinby Jacqueline Tobin

Original QuiltsOriginal Quilts

Only two known to existOnly two known to exist Frederick Douglass Home in AnticostiaFrederick Douglass Home in Anticostia William King at Buxton Museum in OntarioWilliam King at Buxton Museum in OntarioPhotos by R. WriterPhotos by R. Writer

Quilt PatternsQuilt PatternsPhoto by R. Writer, First Baptist Church, Chatham, ON, where John Brown spokePhoto by R. Writer, First Baptist Church, Chatham, ON, where John Brown spoke

Fugitive Slave ActFugitive Slave Act18501850

Even more vital to get to CanadaEven more vital to get to Canada Part of Compromise of 1850Part of Compromise of 1850

Public domain graphicsPublic domain graphics

Journey North to CanadaJourney North to Canada Leaving plantations meant life or deathLeaving plantations meant life or death Required skills, planning, knowledge, luck and Required skills, planning, knowledge, luck and

risk takingrisk taking Selection of clothes—not to draw attentionSelection of clothes—not to draw attention Carry food and tools—looked like normal dayCarry food and tools—looked like normal day Sometimes changed appearance Sometimes changed appearance

William and Ellen CraftWilliam and Ellen Craft

httphttp://://www.blackpast.org/aah/craft-william-and-ellen-1824-1900-1826-1891www.blackpast.org/aah/craft-william-and-ellen-1824-1900-1826-1891

http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-great-escape-from-slavery-of-ellen-and-william-craft-497960/?page=1http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-great-escape-from-slavery-of-ellen-and-william-craft-497960/?page=1

Underground Routes to CanadaUnderground Routes to Canadahttp://publications.newberry.org/frontiertoheartland/archive/fullsize/nl010219_f4aac99af4.jpghttp://publications.newberry.org/frontiertoheartland/archive/fullsize/nl010219_f4aac99af4.jpg

Canadian CommunitiesCanadian Communities

http://http://www.canadachannel.ca/slavery/index.php/File:Settlement_Map.jpgwww.canadachannel.ca/slavery/index.php/File:Settlement_Map.jpg

httphttp://vacay.ca/2012/02/underground-railroad-sites-make-ontario-shine://vacay.ca/2012/02/underground-railroad-sites-make-ontario-shine//

WilberforceWilberforce

First Fugitive community in CanadaFirst Fugitive community in Canada Named after William Wilberforce Named after William Wilberforce

British Reformer and AbolitionistBritish Reformer and Abolitionist Proved all black community possibleProved all black community possible

Peter Butler settled in 1840sPeter Butler settled in 1840s Failed due to bad luck and bad managementFailed due to bad luck and bad management

httphttp://://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilberforce_Colonyen.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilberforce_Colony

httphttp://://ca.epodunk.com/profiles/ontario/wilberforce/2005372.htmlca.epodunk.com/profiles/ontario/wilberforce/2005372.html

Dresden—a.k.a. DawnDresden—a.k.a. Dawn

All of the following photos of Dresden, ON, courtesy of R. Writer unless otherwise notedAll of the following photos of Dresden, ON, courtesy of R. Writer unless otherwise noted

Josiah HensonJosiah Henson

Born in late 1700s in MarylandBorn in late 1700s in Maryland Beaten by master for protecting motherBeaten by master for protecting mother Fled to Dresden with youngest of 12 in Fled to Dresden with youngest of 12 in

knapsackknapsack Likely model for “Uncle Tom”Likely model for “Uncle Tom”

httphttp://://www.biography.com/people/josiah-henson-541392www.biography.com/people/josiah-henson-541392

Vocational EducationVocational Education

Key to Henson’s communityKey to Henson’s community Concept of land ownershipConcept of land ownership British American Institute—industrial and British American Institute—industrial and

manual trainingmanual training Late 1840s—grist mill and saw millLate 1840s—grist mill and saw mill Visit to England with black walnut timbersVisit to England with black walnut timbers

Fine Black Walnut TimberFine Black Walnut Timber

Henson’s ChurchHenson’s Church

Henson’s later yearsHenson’s later years

Dresden collapsed by 1872Dresden collapsed by 1872 Questions of fraudQuestions of fraud Henson cleared of wrong doingHenson cleared of wrong doing Died at age 94 [?] in 1883Died at age 94 [?] in 1883 Descendents still live in regionDescendents still live in region

Rev. William KingRev. William King Born in Ireland—immigrated to OhioBorn in Ireland—immigrated to Ohio University of Glasgow, ScotlandUniversity of Glasgow, Scotland Presbyterian minister and educatorPresbyterian minister and educator Inherited slaves in Louisiana after wife’s deathInherited slaves in Louisiana after wife’s death Dilemma in 1848—what to do?Dilemma in 1848—what to do?

Knew manumission difficult in LAKnew manumission difficult in LA Would consign slaves to poverty and Would consign slaves to poverty and

insecurityinsecurity

http://http://www.buxtonmuseum.com/history/people/king-william.htmlwww.buxtonmuseum.com/history/people/king-william.html

Buxton Mission/Elgin SettlementBuxton Mission/Elgin Settlement

Rev. King prayed and determined to buildRev. King prayed and determined to build ““City of God”City of God” Haven against social ostracism and discriminationHaven against social ostracism and discrimination Slaves to live as fully free men and women Slaves to live as fully free men and women 14 slaves followed him to Canada14 slaves followed him to Canada

Arrival in Elgin, Ontario, 1848Arrival in Elgin, Ontario, 1848 King had gift for administrationKing had gift for administration

Journey NorthJourney North

King personally led settlersKing personally led settlers Steamer to Cincinnati via Mississippi and Steamer to Cincinnati via Mississippi and

OhioOhio Handed them manumission papersHanded them manumission papers Via canal to Lake ErieVia canal to Lake Erie Steamer across Lake Erie to ChathamSteamer across Lake Erie to Chatham

Arrival of othersArrival of others

More affluent blacks in areaMore affluent blacks in area Abraham Shadd—Mary Ann’s fatherAbraham Shadd—Mary Ann’s father

Isaac Riley and family already in CanadaIsaac Riley and family already in Canada Excaped from MissouriExcaped from Missouri

William ParkerWilliam Parker Leader of Christiana, PA, resistenceLeader of Christiana, PA, resistence Wanted to treason and murder Wanted to treason and murder

BuxtonBuxton

Start—18 square miles near Chatham, ONStart—18 square miles near Chatham, ON Forest of oak, hickory, beech, elmForest of oak, hickory, beech, elm Sought help of 24 businessmen in CanadaSought help of 24 businessmen in Canada Shared responsibility with King working along Shared responsibility with King working along

side of black settlersside of black settlers Logging beesLogging bees Chopping beesChopping bees House and barn raising beesHouse and barn raising bees

Requirements of SettlersRequirements of Settlers

Wanted to ensure success , respectability and aestheticsWanted to ensure success , respectability and aesthetics Settlers would pay $25 for 50 acresSettlers would pay $25 for 50 acres Could not be sharecropped nor rented until paidCould not be sharecropped nor rented until paid If resold in 10 years—only to blacksIf resold in 10 years—only to blacks Had to clear 6 acres immediately, build homeHad to clear 6 acres immediately, build home

Minimum of 18 feet by 24 feetMinimum of 18 feet by 24 feet Had to be set back 35 feet from roadHad to be set back 35 feet from road Required picket fence surrounding homeRequired picket fence surrounding home Required flower gardenRequired flower garden

North BuxtonNorth Buxton

All photos of North Buxton, ON, community courtesy of R. WriterAll photos of North Buxton, ON, community courtesy of R. Writer

Colbert-Henderson CabinColbert-Henderson Cabin

Interior of Reconstructed HomeInterior of Reconstructed Home

King Led not GovernedKing Led not Governed

Sensitive to needs of newly freedmenSensitive to needs of newly freedmen Annual meeting to determine laws and Annual meeting to determine laws and

enforcement of lawsenforcement of laws Used court of arbitration—King not involvedUsed court of arbitration—King not involved

Managed industryManaged industry Took charge in emergenciesTook charge in emergencies Promoted general welfarePromoted general welfare Handled complaints and disputesHandled complaints and disputes Organized celebrationsOrganized celebrations

Land Land

httphttp://://www.buxtonmuseum.com/history/people/king-william.htmlwww.buxtonmuseum.com/history/people/king-william.html; ; http://blackburnnews.com/agrimedia/agrimedia-news/2013/05/03/omaf-very-little-winter-wheat-damage-in-ontariohttp://blackburnnews.com/agrimedia/agrimedia-news/2013/05/03/omaf-very-little-winter-wheat-damage-in-ontario//; ; www.fiestafarms.cawww.fiestafarms.ca; ; www.canadianmillers.ca www.canadianmillers.ca

Farms ProfitableFarms Profitable

WheatWheat TobaccoTobacco CornCorn Hemp Hemp

Other Economic EndeavorsOther Economic Endeavors

SawmillSawmill BrickyardBrickyard Grist millGrist mill StoreStore Potash factoryPotash factory

Church—Center of CommunityChurch—Center of Community

Not welcomed by all Not welcomed by all

Initially faced prejudice Initially faced prejudice King’s strategy overcame white fearsKing’s strategy overcame white fears Value placed on educationValue placed on education Trumped bigotry with educationTrumped bigotry with education

Classical EducationClassical Education "I believed that those persons who had escaped "I believed that those persons who had escaped

from Slavery, when placed in favourable from Slavery, when placed in favourable circumstances, were able to and willing to support circumstances, were able to and willing to support themselves and to become respectable members of themselves and to become respectable members of society and to accomplish that I believed it was society and to accomplish that I believed it was necessary to provide them with homes where the necessary to provide them with homes where the parents could support themselves by their own parents could support themselves by their own industry and their children with the blessings of a industry and their children with the blessings of a Christian education. Three things were necessary Christian education. Three things were necessary for that end: land, to place their families upon, a for that end: land, to place their families upon, a Church where they could assemble on Sabbath and Church where they could assemble on Sabbath and hear the Gospel and a day school where the children hear the Gospel and a day school where the children could receive a good Christian education."could receive a good Christian education."

http://www.buxtonmuseum.com/history/people/king-william.htmlhttp://www.buxtonmuseum.com/history/people/king-william.html

Buxton School UniqueBuxton School Unique

Other black settlements emphasized tradesOther black settlements emphasized trades Curriculum with excellent reputationCurriculum with excellent reputation

From primary level to college entrance—6 years!From primary level to college entrance—6 years! Buxton emphasized classical educationBuxton emphasized classical education

EnglishEnglish MathMath GeographyGeography LatinLatin GreekGreek

School: Pride of BuxtonSchool: Pride of Buxton

By 1857—250 studentsBy 1857—250 students Students taught their parents—adult educationStudents taught their parents—adult education Integrated when white families sent their childrenIntegrated when white families sent their children

From Toronto and BuffaloFrom Toronto and Buffalo Played on same playgroundPlayed on same playground Sat together in classroomSat together in classroom

Some went on to teach in Canada, U.S., and AustraliaSome went on to teach in Canada, U.S., and Australia William Rapier, Reconstruction Congressman--ALWilliam Rapier, Reconstruction Congressman--AL

Jerome RileyJerome Riley

Eldest son of IsaacEldest son of Isaac Demonstrated flawless Latin recitationDemonstrated flawless Latin recitation Became medical doctorBecame medical doctor Established first Freedmen’s hospital in D.C.Established first Freedmen’s hospital in D.C.

PressPress

Henry Bibbs—escapee 7 timesHenry Bibbs—escapee 7 times Voice of the FugitiveVoice of the Fugitive

Mary Ann Shadd CaryMary Ann Shadd Cary Provincial FreemanProvincial Freeman Criticized many communities but never BuxtonCriticized many communities but never Buxton

Self Sufficient Black CommunitySelf Sufficient Black Community

By 1853—320 had settled on 500 acresBy 1853—320 had settled on 500 acres Each family had small lotEach family had small lot Purchased for $90 over 12 yearsPurchased for $90 over 12 years Received $125,000 for lumberReceived $125,000 for lumber Owned 128 cattle, 15 horses, 30 sheep, 250 Owned 128 cattle, 15 horses, 30 sheep, 250

hogshogs Virtually no crime from 1849-1864Virtually no crime from 1849-1864 Voted in the election of 1857—racist Voted in the election of 1857—racist

candidate defeated with help of Buxton candidate defeated with help of Buxton communitycommunity

More arrived until 1861More arrived until 1861 ““For a few years more, there would be gaggles For a few years more, there would be gaggles

of newcomers at the docks of Windsor and St. of newcomers at the docks of Windsor and St. Catharines, dressed lumpily in donated Catharines, dressed lumpily in donated clothes, and bewildered by freedom. But by clothes, and bewildered by freedom. But by the end of the decade, the homeowners of the the end of the decade, the homeowners of the Elgin Settlement…would cease to think of Elgin Settlement…would cease to think of themselves as “fugitives. They were themselves as “fugitives. They were Canadians.Canadians. The underground had done its The underground had done its work well, and delivered them to safety.”work well, and delivered them to safety.”

Bordewich, Fergus M. Bordewich, Fergus M. Bound for Canaan: The Epic Story of the Underground Rialroad, America’s First Civil Rights Movement.Bound for Canaan: The Epic Story of the Underground Rialroad, America’s First Civil Rights Movement. New York: Amistad An New York: Amistad An Imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, 2005.Imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, 2005.

North Buxton TodayNorth Buxton TodayMuseum Curator Shannon Prince and Author Bryan PrinceMuseum Curator Shannon Prince and Author Bryan Prince

Labor Day Homecoming each year in BuxtonLabor Day Homecoming each year in Buxton

The Walls Family of Puce, ONThe Walls Family of Puce, ON

Daniel Walls, owner, and his wife JaneDaniel Walls, owner, and his wife Jane John, Daniel’s slave and closest friendJohn, Daniel’s slave and closest friend Daniel died but not before John to promised to Daniel died but not before John to promised to

take care of Daniel’s wife and familytake care of Daniel’s wife and family John Freeman Walls took Jane to CanadaJohn Freeman Walls took Jane to Canada They married and formed a biracial They married and formed a biracial

community near Windsor, Ontariocommunity near Windsor, Ontario

Photos of John Freeman Walls Historic Site and Underground Railroad Museum in Essex, Ontario, courtesy of R. WriterPhotos of John Freeman Walls Historic Site and Underground Railroad Museum in Essex, Ontario, courtesy of R. Writer

Chatham, OntarioChatham, Ontario

John Brown met there in spring of 1858John Brown met there in spring of 1858 Guest of James Bell, black poet and writerGuest of James Bell, black poet and writer Drilled men in Chatham’s Tecumseh ParkDrilled men in Chatham’s Tecumseh Park BME Church meetingBME Church meeting

Outlined plan for Harper’s FerryOutlined plan for Harper’s Ferry Leaders of church withdrew support—no other Leaders of church withdrew support—no other

meetings at BME Churchmeetings at BME Church Rev. King also withdrew supportRev. King also withdrew support

John BrownJohn Brown

Brown’s supportBrown’s support

Alfred Whipper, teacherAlfred Whipper, teacher Meetings in schoolMeetings in school Brown claimed appointment by GodBrown claimed appointment by God

Third meeting at First Baptist ChurchThird meeting at First Baptist Church Set up provisional governmentSet up provisional government

Only one Canadian black at Harper’s FerryOnly one Canadian black at Harper’s Ferry Osborne AndersonOsborne AndersonBleeding Kansas by John Steuart Curry in Kansas State CapitolBleeding Kansas by John Steuart Curry in Kansas State Capitol

Quits to FreedomQuits to FreedomFirst Baptist Church, Chatham, ONFirst Baptist Church, Chatham, ON

photo by R. Writerphoto by R. Writer

Canada in mid 1800sCanada in mid 1800s

Had to clear virgin timberHad to clear virgin timber Build roads/dig ditchesBuild roads/dig ditches Learn new skillsLearn new skills Plant gardens—tobacco,Plant gardens—tobacco,

Hemp, wheat, veggies, fruitHemp, wheat, veggies, fruit Organize schoolsOrganize schools Organize churchesOrganize churches VoteVote http://www.canadianheritage.org/reproductions/23240.htmhttp://www.canadianheritage.org/reproductions/23240.htmhttp://www.museumsontario.ca/museum/Delhi-Tobacco-Museum---Heritag/whats-on/exhibitions/Tobacco-in-Canada http://www.museumsontario.ca/museum/Delhi-Tobacco-Museum---Heritag/whats-on/exhibitions/Tobacco-in-Canada

After Civil War BeganAfter Civil War Began Some stayed in Canada—waiters, construction, Some stayed in Canada—waiters, construction,

carpenters, masons, farmers, teachers, journalists—carpenters, masons, farmers, teachers, journalists—became part of Canada’s every day lifebecame part of Canada’s every day life

Many returned to U.S. Many returned to U.S. Some joined Union Army—Abraham ShaddSome joined Union Army—Abraham Shadd Hoped to find lost family and friendsHoped to find lost family and friends Helped rebuild Southern Reconstruction—educatedHelped rebuild Southern Reconstruction—educated Too cold in CanadaToo cold in Canada Some communities had failedSome communities had failed

Mary Ann Shadd Cary—recruited soldiers, taught, Mary Ann Shadd Cary—recruited soldiers, taught, Howard University Grad--lawyerHoward University Grad--lawyer

Prior photo and this photo by D. June, Puce, Ontario, 2005Prior photo and this photo by D. June, Puce, Ontario, 2005

Dr. King on CanadaDr. King on CanadaIt is a deep personal privilege to address a nationwide Canadian audience. Over and It is a deep personal privilege to address a nationwide Canadian audience. Over and above any kinship of U.S. citizens and Canadians as North Americans, there is a above any kinship of U.S. citizens and Canadians as North Americans, there is a singular historical relationship between American Negroes and Canadians.singular historical relationship between American Negroes and Canadians.

Canada is not merely a neighbour to Negroes. Deep in our history of struggle for Canada is not merely a neighbour to Negroes. Deep in our history of struggle for freedom Canada was the North Star. The Negro slave, denied education, de-freedom Canada was the North Star. The Negro slave, denied education, de-humanized, imprisoned on cruel plantations, knew that far to the north a land humanized, imprisoned on cruel plantations, knew that far to the north a land existed where a fugitive slave, if he survived the horrors of the journey, could find existed where a fugitive slave, if he survived the horrors of the journey, could find freedom. The legendary underground railroad started in the south and ended in freedom. The legendary underground railroad started in the south and ended in Canada. The freedom road links us together. Our spirituals, now so widely admired Canada. The freedom road links us together. Our spirituals, now so widely admired around the world, were often codes. We sang of 'heaven' that awaited us, and the around the world, were often codes. We sang of 'heaven' that awaited us, and the slave masters listened in innocence, not realizing that we were not speaking of the slave masters listened in innocence, not realizing that we were not speaking of the hereafter. Heaven was the word for Canada and the Negro sang of the hope that his hereafter. Heaven was the word for Canada and the Negro sang of the hope that his escape on the underground railroad would carry him there. One of our spirituals, escape on the underground railroad would carry him there. One of our spirituals, 'Follow the Drinking Gourd', in its disguised lyrics contained directions for escape. 'Follow the Drinking Gourd', in its disguised lyrics contained directions for escape. The gourd was the big dipper, and the North Star to which its handle pointed gave The gourd was the big dipper, and the North Star to which its handle pointed gave the celestial map that directed the flight to the Canadian border.the celestial map that directed the flight to the Canadian border.

Martin Luther King Jr.—1967 at McGill UniversityMartin Luther King Jr.—1967 at McGill University

ResourcesResources Bordewich, Fergus M. Bordewich, Fergus M. Bound for Canaan: The Epic Story of the Underground Rialroad, America’s First Bound for Canaan: The Epic Story of the Underground Rialroad, America’s First

Civil Rights Movement.Civil Rights Movement. New York: Amistad An Imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, 2005. New York: Amistad An Imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, 2005. Power Point from Buxton http://www.buxtonmuseum.com/education/012-Early-Settlements.pdf Power Point from Buxton http://www.buxtonmuseum.com/education/012-Early-Settlements.pdf https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBoWVat21pE Underground Railroad as told at Buxton Schoolhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBoWVat21pE Underground Railroad as told at Buxton School Haviland, Laura. Haviland, Laura. A Woman’s Life: Labors and Experiences of Laura HavilandA Woman’s Life: Labors and Experiences of Laura Haviland published 1881—available published 1881—available

free at http://books.google.com/books/about/A_Woman_s_Life_work.html?id=g61IAAAAMAAJfree at http://books.google.com/books/about/A_Woman_s_Life_work.html?id=g61IAAAAMAAJ Hill, Daniel G. Hill, Daniel G. The Freedom Seekers: Blacks in Early Canada. The Freedom Seekers: Blacks in Early Canada. Agincourt: The Book Society of Canada Agincourt: The Book Society of Canada

Limited, 1981.Limited, 1981. http://www.pbs.org/black-culture/shows/list/underground-railroad/stories-freedom/settlements-canada/ http://www.pbs.org/black-culture/shows/list/underground-railroad/stories-freedom/settlements-canada/ Puce River Black Community http://www.heritagetrust.on.ca/CMSImages/34/3479a022-cc44-4415-99a0-Puce River Black Community http://www.heritagetrust.on.ca/CMSImages/34/3479a022-cc44-4415-99a0-

a24365e1c9ce.pdf a24365e1c9ce.pdf Prince, Bryan. Prince, Bryan. I Came as a Stranger: The Underground Railroad.I Came as a Stranger: The Underground Railroad. Toronto: Tundra Books, 2004. Toronto: Tundra Books, 2004. Prince, Bryan. Prince, Bryan. One More River to Cross. One More River to Cross. Toronto: Dundurn National Heritage, 2012.Toronto: Dundurn National Heritage, 2012. Tobin, Jacqueline L. Tobin, Jacqueline L. From Midnight to Dawn: The Last Tracks of the Underground Railroad.From Midnight to Dawn: The Last Tracks of the Underground Railroad. New York: New York:

Doubleday , 2007.Doubleday , 2007. Ullman, Victor. Ullman, Victor. Look to the North Star: A Life of William King.Look to the North Star: A Life of William King. Toronto: Umbrella Press, 1969. Toronto: Umbrella Press, 1969. Walls, Dr. Bryan E. Walls, Dr. Bryan E. The Road that Lead to Somewhere.The Road that Lead to Somewhere. Windsor: Olive Publishing, 1980. Windsor: Olive Publishing, 1980. Winks, Robin. Winks, Robin. The Blacks in Canada: A History.The Blacks in Canada: A History. Montreal: McGill-Queen’s University Press, 1997. Montreal: McGill-Queen’s University Press, 1997.