New York City Slavery and Underground Railroad Tour
New York City, United States of America
Take a walking tour of New York City and see the historic sites that tell the story of slavery and the Underground Railroad. Travel back in time to the 17th century when New York City was a Dutch colony named New Amsterdam. As you trace the Underground Railroad with your guide, learn about how it freed slaves in the 1800s with the help of key abolitionists such as Frederick Douglass, and discover how slavery played an important role in New York City’s early history and economy.
On this guided walking tour, journey back in time and trace the fascinating history of slavery and the Underground Railroad in New York City. Start your tour in Lower Manhattan, where you’ll see the site of Fort Amsterdam -- the first settlement in colonial Manhattan.
Visit the former site of the American Cotton Exchange, which housed the offices of two prominent abolitionists who fought against slavery. See the structures the slaves built, such as Collins Wall and Fort Fincastle; hear stories of slaves who were brought over from Africa on merchant ships; and learn about the important role the slaves played in transforming American society.
Stop at Wall Street to see the location of the first slave market in New York, and pass a former key location on the Underground Railroad where slaves hid while escaping to free states with the help of the abolitionists. At the African Burial Ground, considered one of the most important archaeological finds of the past century, view various historical artifacts and visit the African Burial Ground Monument.
Finally, walk to the former site of the first African-American church in New York, which was also a stop on the Underground Railroad. Nearby, see the still-standing home of one of the most influential anti-slavery activists in New York history, David Ruggles, who provided shelter on the Underground Railroad to abolitionist and former escaped slave Frederick Douglass.
Special Offer - Book and travel by March 31, 2017 and save 20% off our previously offered price! - Book Now!
Its a wonderful walking tour- so much knowledge and a great guide
Review by: Sharlene C, October 2017
The tour guide was late. He rushed through the tour.
Review by: Dorothy B, September 2017
his was a great tour and I learned a lot. I would highly recommend it . I really wish that I could have taken the Niagara falls NY and Canada sections of this railroad, but they are requiring that you sign up for two people when you register.
Review by: Brenda J, September 2017
Very comprehensive tour. The guide was well informed and enlightening. I will surely recommend this tour to friends and family living outside of New York City as well as NYC residents. Wonderful!
Review by: Anne B, September 2017
There was quite a big group of use. I don't know the tour guide's name. I am not sure he told us. He certainly knew his stuff. And it was moving and humbling to here how badly people were treated. However, he walked fast and had no flag or anything for us to follow. So I nearly lost the group at one time. That slightly spoiled it for me.
Review by: Anne B, September 2017
I am not sure of the tour guide's name. He may have told us but it didn't sink in. He knew his stuff and told us some moving stories and the history was fascinating. _br/_ It was very busy walking around, he walked fast and it was difficult to follow him, and I was on my own and didn't know anyone in the group. At one stage I nearly lost the group.
Review by: Barbara K, June 2017
I highly recommend this tour. The guide was knowledgeable We learned things that people walk by everyday and do not see._br/_ This is a must do for people who like history.
Review by: Susana G, June 2017
Even under heavy rain we have a very interesting tour. Shawn the tour guide,is very knowledgeable person on the subject.
Review by: Laurana M, May 2017
I had no idea that New York offered so much to learn about Slavery and the Underground Railway. This was fantastic!! My guide Ludi was sensational!! Her knowledge was endless and her passion for the subject and it's importance was beyond measure!!!!! I am so glad I participated in this!! And I'm not posting any pictures because as I explained to family and friends - I only took a couple of pics as I was too busy listening and learning.
Review by: Laura M, September 2016
Amazing tour. Our tour guide, Lolita, was full of knowledge and shared it with our group. Be aware that there is a lot of walkingon this tour. Fascinating and sad part of our history that we don't learn in school.opens the door to more exploring of the area.
Review by: Tam W, August 2016
Educational and eye-opening
Review by: Roselyn S, July 2016
Very informational, about the NY history and how it played a part in that era of history.
Review by: Nehal S, September 2015
The guide was great! Very knowledgeable, answered all the questions thoroughly. No complaints there. I found the tour to be slightly overpriced. It is easily a tour that can be done by one doing his or her own research about the area and making the stops on his or her own time. I did enjoy the African Burial Ground at the end.
Review by: Natasha Watters N, August 2015
The tour was very detailed. The host appeared to be very knowledgeable and had pleasant demeanor. Would highly recommend.
Review by: Rebecca J, August 2015
This tour provided such an interesting way to view NYC's history. The guide had his master's degree in the field, so he was very knowledgable. He was able to field all questions posed with ease. Despite the blistering heat, this tour was phenomenal!
Review by: Sharelle D, June 2015
Our tour guide Ludi was amazing. Her energy and passion for the information was phenomenal! We all learned so much more than we thought possible. We especially liked the Underground Railroad oyster bar location. I've known about slaves,,my whole life, but hearing how they were treated in a more detailed way, helps ,me appreciate my life all the more._br/_
Thank you for having this tour available. Everyone should take this tour, regardless of race.
Review by: Sarah Adeola A, June 2015
Soo glad i came for the tour, i wish it was longer!
Review by: irma g c, June 2015
This was an excellent tour led by a guide well versed in the history with a clear, fascinating story to tell. We learned a lot . I would recommend it to anyone.
Review by: Karen H, January 2015
This was a very interesting tour. The tour guide Sean made it very interesting especially as it was a difficult subject.
Review by: Nanny of the ... , October 2014
This tour was most informative. The guide had a voice that everyone could clearly hear above the traffic. He did not walk too quickly. I would recommend this tour to Antonella interested in slavery.
Review by: Hilary M, October 2014
A very interesting and thoughtful tour. Would recommend for anyone with an interest in history. Guests do need to be able to walk quickly through very crowded streets
Review by: Nanny of the Wetwipes, October 2014
This tour was most informative. The guide had a voice that everyone could clearly hear above the traffic. He did not walk too quickly. I would recommend this tour to Antonella interested in slavery.
Review by: Penelope R, September 2014
I didnt have time to do this tour in Memphis so took the opportunity to take part in NYC; our guide was particularly knowledgeable on the subject and the tour was most enjoyable. Thoroughly recommend.
Review by: Tami T, August 2014
I thought the tour was pretty good, Informative, but lacked heart or passion.
Review by: Jerome W, August 2014
Very good and informative tour
Review by: Pamella L, July 2014
Very informational and interesting! Discovered things I did not know and the tour guide was excellent!!!!
Review by: Francine, May 2014
Extremely interesting. I learnt a great deal about the history of 'New Amsterdam'. I would recommend this tour to anyone interested in this topic. The guide really knew his topic and gave plenty of opportunity to ask questions. The walk was not particularly arduous and the guide didn't rush ahead or make it difficult to keep up. The museum visit was excellent.
Review by: Josephine l, March 2014
none
Review by: Daniel B, December 2013
Very interesting tour - lots of great information and knowledgeable guide
Review by: SHARON W, December 2013
Very interesting and informative walking tour discovering the deep cultural past of New York city and America. Definately worth doing (better when the weather is above zero degrees!!)
Review by: Natasha W, August 2013
Great tour, learned alot. Tour guide was great, knew what he was talking about. Only downside would be the group was quite large.
Review by: Dorothy C, July 2013
this is a very interesting tour. the guide was clearly a historian of the time with a personal commitment to this period of history and civil rights generally. I wanted to learn more about New York's origins and I did. It was great to hear the story from a perspective that is normally hidden. I'm very glad I signed up for it.
Review by: lorian F, February 2013
Fantastic tour. Every visitor to NYC should do this tour. Such interesting history.
Review by: Wayne A, January 2013
I really enjoyed the tour, it was very informative and our guide did an excellent job. Would definitely recommend it to a friend.
Review by: Michael M, December 2012
This was a great tour! It was very informative. The African Burial Ground National Monument and the museum was amazing.
Review by: Stacy P, December 2012
This walking tour is a must for the history enthusiast. Anyone interested in African-American history as it pertains to New York will find this tour quite educational.
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