Rockville in Montgomery County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Dr. James Anderson House
100 South Washington Street
— Rockville's African American Heritage Walking Tour —
Long before the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863, some enslaved people freed themselves by escaping to Canada. In 1856, Alfred Homer walked and ran more than 500 miles from this site to freedom, despite the dangers of the Fugitive Slave Law.
Dr. Anderson's house was located on this site, before the present 1893 house built by his daughter. On May 31, 1856, his slave Alfred Homer escaped bondage by fleeing Rockville on foot, finding temporary refuge with the Philadelphia Vigilance Committee and finally gaining freedom in Canada.
The Fugitive Slave Law of 1850 required the return of runaway slaves even from the non-slavery northern states. Being caught meant severe punishment or being sold into worse conditions in the Deep South.
Text of the panel on the bottom right side of the marker:
NEGRO MAN, ALFRED,
about twenty-two years of age; five feet seven inches high; dark copper color, and rather good looking.
He had on when he left a dark blue and green plaid frock coat, of cloth, and lighter colored plaid pantaloons.
I will give the above reward if taken out of the county and in any of the States, or fifty dollars if taken in the county or the District of Columbia, and secured so that I get him again.
Erected by City of Rockville, Historic District Commission, Department of Community Planning and Development Services. (Marker Number 4.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Maryland, Rockville's African American Heritage Walking Tour series list. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1867.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 39° 4.985′ N, 77° 9.16′ W. Marker was in Rockville, Maryland, in Montgomery County. Marker was at the intersection of South Washington Street and East Jefferson Street (Maryland Route 28) on South Washington Street. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 100 South Washington Street, Rockville MD 20850, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. A different marker also named Dr. James Anderson House (a few steps from this marker); Lamar House (within shouting distance of this marker); Adam Robb's Tavern (within shouting distance of this marker); Hungerford Tavern / Susan Russell House (within shouting distance of this marker); Rockville (within shouting distance of this marker); Hungerford Tavern (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Hungerford Tavern (within shouting distance of this marker); Hungerford Tavern Site (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Rockville.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has been replaced with the linked marker.
Also see . . .
1. Biography of Alfred Homer. Maryland State Archives (Submitted on July 1, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland.)
2. Biography of John W. Anderson. Maryland State Archives (Submitted on July 1, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland.)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 5, 2021. It was originally submitted on June 22, 2010, by Tom Fuchs of Greenbelt, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,265 times since then and 21 times this year. Last updated on June 19, 2011, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. Photos: 1. submitted on July 1, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 2. submitted on June 22, 2010, by Tom Fuchs of Greenbelt, Maryland. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on July 1, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.