Church Creek in Dorchester County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Underground Railroad
The term "Underground Railroad" originated in the 1830s. It refers to resistance against slavery and acts of self-liberation, escape, and flight. Determining their own fate, runaways from Maryland's Eastern Shore sought refuge in the nearby Northern states and Canada.
Enslaved people, escaping the cruelty of bondage, often made parts of their journey unaided. They were sometimes helped by courageous men and women who provided transportation or directions, shelter, food, clothing, shoes, or money to assist their journey.
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The route to freedom was fraught with danger. Stealth and the cover of darkness aided escape. Acquiring food and shelter was a challenge, and evading patrols, was a constant terror.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior; Maryland Park Service; Underground Railroad Network to Freedom.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • African Americans • Law Enforcement. In addition, it is included in the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway series list.
Location. 38° 26.931′ N, 76° 8.301′ W. Marker is in Church Creek
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within one mile of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Harriet Tubman (here, next to this marker); The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway (within shouting distance of this marker); The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center (within shouting distance of this marker); Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge (within shouting distance of this marker); Highway to Freedom (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Ctr. (about 300 feet away); Welcome to Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge (approx. one mile away); Why Use Native Plants? (approx. 1.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Church Creek.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 5, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 30, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 77 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 30, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
