Waterfront in Buffalo in Erie County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
William Wells Brown
Anti-Slavery Activist and Writer
Brown later penned a popular autobiography, and is widely considered to be the first African-American novelist, through The Narrative of William G. Brown, a Fugitive Slave (1842) was first published in Europe. He is also acknowledged as the first African-American playwright, having penned The Experience (1856) and The Escape (1858).
The author and his mother arrested and carried back into slavery. Brown and his mother captured after attempting to escape from slavery. Illustration from The Narrative of William W. Brown (1842), his autobiography. Used with permission of Documenting the American South, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Libraries.
Michigan Street Baptist Church. Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society.
Path of Freedom.
The Underground Railroad was an informal organization of white and black abolitionists, enslaved African-Americans, Native Americans, and members of various religious groups including Quakers, Methodists, and Baptists. Buffalo, lying on the Canadian border, was a magnet for escaped slaves and free blacks alike. While thousands continued onward, others remained in Buffalo, seeking a living in the city's rough and tumble industries, particularly along the waterways.
Buffalo's black population, although proportionally small, grew into an industrial, lively community, many of whom were committed to the abolitionist cause. Michigan Street Baptist Church was not only a legendary station on the Underground Railroad, it was also an important meeting place for 19th century abolitionists and reformers, and remained central to the city's African-American community for more than a century.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • African Americans • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1836.
Location. 42° 52.647′ N, 78° 52.763′ W. Marker is in Buffalo, New York, in Erie County. It is in Waterfront. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Marine Drive and Pearl Street. Marker is at the northeast corner of a pedestrian bridge over the Commercial Slip. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1 Naval Park Cove, Buffalo NY 14202, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Wedding of the Waters (here, next to this marker); Coit and Townsend’s “Red” Warehouse (a few steps from this marker); Lieutenant T. James (Jimmy) Crotty (within shouting distance of this marker); Lt. Col. Matt “The Ghost” Urban (within shouting distance of this marker); Harboring Hopes (within shouting distance of this marker); Rebirth & Renewal (within shouting distance of this marker); God Honor and Country (within shouting distance of this marker); In Recognition of Long and Faithful Service (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Buffalo.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Other William Wells Brown marker and Michigan Street Baptist Church markers.
Also see . . . William Wells Brown - Wikipedia. (Submitted on June 20, 2015, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 20, 2015, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York. This page has been viewed 487 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 20, 2015, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York.