Quaker Hill in Wilmington in New Castle County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Wilmington Friends Meeting
Burial Place of Thomas Garrett
Wilmington was the last major stop on the East Coast overland route of the Underground Railroad. One of the central figures of this clandestine network was Thomas Garrett, a Wilmington resident and member of this Meeting, who was known as the “Stationmaster of the Underground Railroad.” Found guilty of violating the Fugitive Slave Law in 1848, he was forced to sell his possessions to pay his fine. Many were purchased and returned to him by members of the Meeting and other supporters. Garrett is credited with helping more than 2,700 slaves escape to freedom. His last public appearance was as presiding officer of a suffrage meeting, continuing his dedication to the still held Quaker tenets of Simplicity, Equality, and Peace. Following his death in 1871, he was laid to rest in the adjoining burial ground.
Erected 2002 by Delaware Public Archives. (Marker Number NC-125.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Churches & Religion • Education. In addition, it is included in the Delaware Public Archives, and the Quakerism series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1738.
Location. 39° 44.562′ N, 75° 33.285′ W. Marker is in Wilmington, Delaware, in New Castle County. It is in Quaker Hill. Marker is at the intersection of 5th Street and Washington Street, on the left when traveling west on 5th Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Wilmington DE 19801, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Tabernacle Full Gospel Baptist Church (within shouting distance of this marker); 401 Washington Street (within shouting distance of this marker); 505 West Street (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); 511 North West Street (about 300 feet away); 406 West Sixth Street (about 300 feet away); John Dickinson (about 300 feet away); Meeting House 1816 (about 300 feet away); 513 North West Street (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wilmington.
Also see . . . Thomas Garrett by RussPickett. (Submitted on September 1, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 10, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 1, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 2,076 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on September 1, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 2. submitted on February 10, 2013, by Keith S Smith of West Chester, Pennsylvania. 3, 4. submitted on September 1, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.