Dr. James Anderson House
Location: 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 the North. 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. James Anderson's house was located on this site, before the 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 non-slavery states. Being caught meant severe punishment or being sold into worse conditions in the Deep South.
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: Abolition & Underground RR • African Americans. In addition, it is included in the Maryland, Rockville's African American Heritage Walking Tour series list. A significant historical date for this entry is May 31, 1856.
Location. 39° 4.977′ N, 77° 9.165′ W. Marker is in Rockville, Maryland, in Montgomery
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Lamar House (within shouting distance of this marker); Adam Robb's Tavern (within shouting distance of this marker); Rockville (within shouting distance of this marker); Hungerford Tavern / Susan Russell House (within shouting distance of this marker); Christ Episcopal Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Hungerford Tavern (within shouting distance of this marker); Hungerford Tavern Site (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Hungerford Tavern (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 replaced the linked marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 5, 2021. It was originally submitted on June 5, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 241 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 5, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
