Southwest Waterfront in Southwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Underground Railroad and Waterway

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, October 24, 2017

1. Underground Railroad and Waterway Marker

Inscription. In April 1848, the largest slave escape attempt on record in the Unites States took place at the Southwest Waterfront. Seventy-seven men, women, and children boarded the schooner Pearl to sail to freedom, but were ultimately recaptured. The waterfront continued to play a role in antislavery activities of the Underground Railroad, with the Sixth Street wharf a meeting place from where slaves embarked for the north.

Erected by Hoffman Madison Waterfront LLC.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • African Americans • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1848.

Location. 38° 52.748′ N, 77° 1.589′ W. Marker is in Southwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in Southwest Waterfront. Marker can be reached from District Square Southwest west of Wharf Street Southwest, on the right when traveling west. This marker is on the District Pier at DC Wharf in Southwest DC. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 101 District Square Southwest, Washington DC 20024, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Civil War at the Southwest Waterfront (a few steps from this marker); Waterfront Industry and Commerce (a few steps from this marker); African-American History in Southwest

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Navigating the Potomac River (within shouting distance of this marker); Creating the Waterfront (within shouting distance of this marker); Urban Renewal (within shouting distance of this marker); Long Bridge (within shouting distance of this marker); Houseboats on the Waterfront (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Southwest Washington.

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, October 24, 2017

2. Underground Railroad and Waterway Marker

Underground Railroad and Waterway image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, October 24, 2017

3. Underground Railroad and Waterway

Close-up of photo on marker

Credits. This page was last revised on January 7, 2024. It was originally submitted on November 16, 2017, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 276 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 16, 2017, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.