Port Huron in St. Clair County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Underground Railroad
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, August 15, 2022
1. Underground Railroad Marker
Prior to the Civil War, African American slaves, in brave and desperate attempts to flee from slave owners in the Southern states, passed through Port Huron via the Underground Railroad. It was not a real railroad but a system of routes where people opposed to slavery would provide escaping slaves with food, clothing, shelter and encouragement. Sympathetic people hid the escapees in houses and barns by day and then guided them to the next safe "station" at night.
Many escaped slaves traveled northward to Michigan in their pursuit of freedom. Some stayed in this state. Others continued their flight into Canada, crossing at Port Huron or other places along the waterway.
Erected by Thomas Edison Depot Museum.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • African Americans • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels.
Location. 42° 59.911′ N, 82° 25.562′ W. Marker is in Port Huron, Michigan, in St. Clair County. Marker is at the intersection of Thomas Edison Parkway and the Bluewater Bridge to Sarnia (Interstate 69/94), on the right when traveling south on Thomas Edison Parkway. Marker is at the Thomas Edison Depot
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Edison Homesite (here, next to this marker); Wilderness Outpost (a few steps from this marker); Making Tracks (a few steps from this marker); All Aboard! (a few steps from this marker); Immigration (within shouting distance of this marker); Bridging the Blue Waters (within shouting distance of this marker); Ships on the St. Clair (within shouting distance of this marker); Native Americans (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Port Huron.
Also see . . .
1. Thomas Edison Depot Museum, Port Huron MI. (Submitted on August 6, 2014, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. National Underground Network to Freedom. (Submitted on August 6, 2014, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
3. The Underground Railroad in Michigan. (Submitted on August 6, 2014, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., July 5, 2014
2. Underground Railroad Marker
Photographed By Thomas Edison Depot Museum, undated
3. Map on Underground Railroad Marker
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., July 5, 2014
4. Underground Railroad Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on December 23, 2022. It was originally submitted on August 6, 2014, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 2,478 times since then and 132 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on December 18, 2022, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 6, 2014, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
