Downtown in Louisville in Jefferson County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)

Kentucky Fugitives to Canada

Photographed By Shane Oliver, July 3, 2021

1. Kentucky Fugitives to Canada Marker

Inscription. Thornton and Lucie (also called Ruthy) Blackburn were slaves in Louisville, 1830-31. Thornton was hired out to Wurts and Reinhard's store at 4th and Main. When Lucie was sold to Virgil McKnight, the two escaped by steamboat. They were claimed two years later in Detroit by owners. The couple was rescued in "The Blackburn Riots of 1833," Detroit's first racial riot.

Lucie and Thornton escaped to Canada. Two attempts to extradite them were refused. They moved to Toronto and began the first taxi service in Upper Canada while continuing to assist other fugitive slaves. Thornton died in 1890 and Lucie in 1895. Designated “Persons of National Historic Significance” by the Canadian Government.
Presented by African American Heritage Foundation and the K.Y. African American Heritage Commission.

Erected 2001 by Kentucky Historical Society and Kentucky Department of Highways. (Marker Number 2072.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • African Americans • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Kentucky Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1833.

Location. 38° 15.422′ N, 85° 45.425′ W. Marker is

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in Louisville, Kentucky, in Jefferson County. It is in Downtown. Marker is at the intersection of W. Main Street (U.S. 31W) and N. 4th Street, on the right when traveling west on W. Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 411 West Main Street, Louisville, Kentucky, Louisville KY 40202, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Evan Williams (within shouting distance of this marker); Thelma French Schneider (within shouting distance of this marker); The Columbia Building (within shouting distance of this marker); D.X. Murphy & Bro., Architects (within shouting distance of this marker); Kentucky Distillers' Association (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Bourbon District (about 300 feet away); Al J. Schneider (about 300 feet away); Bank of Louisville (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Louisville.

Also see . . . Lest We Forget Press Release: First US/Canada Memorial of an Underground Railroad Journey. (Submitted on November 26, 2013, by Cleo Robertson of Fort Lauderdale, Florida.)

Kentucky Fugitives to Canada Marker Reverse image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Shane Oliver, July 3, 2021

2. Kentucky Fugitives to Canada Marker Reverse

Photographed By Karl Stelly, June 2, 2014

3. Kentucky Fugitives to Canada Marker

Looking eastward along Main Street

Photographed By Karl Stelly, June 2, 2014

4. Kentucky Fugitives to Canada Marker

A wider view, looking westward down the sidewalk that runs next to Main Street

Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 26, 2013, by Cleo Robertson of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This page has been viewed 1,064 times since then and 43 times this year. Last updated on July 31, 2021, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 31, 2021, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. 3, 4. submitted on June 9, 2014, by Karl Stelly of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.