Glenwood in Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Underground Rail Road / Fair Hill Burial Ground
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 15, 2023
1. The Underground Rail Road / Fair Hill Burial Ground Marker
The Underground Rail Road
In the years before the Civil War, there was a route that slaves could take to freedom. It came to be called the "Underground Rail Road" a secret network of safe houses or "stations" operated by "station masters", "conductors" and "agents". Dedicated individuals who believed deeply that slavery was wrong and who risked their lives and their property to deliver people of African decent from bondage.
Philadelphia was a vital junction on the UGRR. Philadelphians, men and women, young and old of all races, religions and walks of life kept the freedom trains rolling.
This mural commemorates the work of those brave Philadelphians and the courageous slaves the "passengers".
This mural celebrates their achievements on behalf of the cause of brotherhood and freedom.
Fair Hill Burial Ground
The Underground Railroad in Philadelphia was led by free Blacks with help from White Quakers. Look east to Fair Hill Burial Ground where many who worked against slavery and for equal rights are buried. Black businessman Robert Purvis and his wife Harriet were close friends and allies of Lucretia and James Mott, White Quakers. Purvis's Vigiland Society helped thousands of fugitive slaves escape through Philadelphia to freedom.
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William Still Agent, UGRR Record Keeper • Lucretia Mott Station Master, Quaker Abolitionist • Jacob Blockson Passenger • Harriet Tubman Conductor, Moses of Her People • Henry "Box" Brown Passenger • Robert Purvis Agent & Station Master • J.M. McKim Agent & Station Master • P. Williamson Agent • Charles & Joseph Bustill Station Masters and Conductors • Henrietta Bowers Duterte Station Master • Lear Green Passenger • Reverend Richard Allen Station Master & Founder of Mother Bethel AME Church • Isaac Hopper Agent & Station Master
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • African Americans • Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Churches & Religion. In addition, it is included in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, and the Quakerism series lists.
Location. 39° 59.853′ N, 75° 8.819′ W. Marker is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia County. It is in Glenwood. Marker is at the intersection of Germantown Avenue and West
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 15, 2023
2. The Underground Rail Road section of the marker
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Historic Fair Hill Burial Ground (within shouting distance of this marker); Fair Hill Burial Ground (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Robert Purvis (about 300 feet away); a different marker also named Robert Purvis (about 300 feet away); Civil Rights Mural (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Fair Hill Burial Ground (about 500 feet away); a different marker also named Historic Fair Hill Burial Ground (about 500 feet away); Welcome to Fair Hill Burial Ground (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Philadelphia.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 15, 2023
3. Fair Hill Burial Ground section of the marker
Credits. This page was last revised on April 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 16, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 65 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 16, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
