Florence in Northampton in Hampshire County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)
Basil C. Dorsey
Photographed by Marc Posner, June 16, 2024
1. Basil C. Dorsey Marker
Born enslaved (Ephraim Costley) 1811 Liberty, MD
Died February 15, 1872 Father of 14
Took his freedom on the "Underground" 1836.
He and his family were offered sanctuary by the Leavitts in Charlemont in 1838. Removed to Florence in 1844, he was a teamster and avid abolitionist advocating: "If you had ever been in slavery, you could not talk about patience."
Basil was sermonized as "respected and warmly esteemed...a man of great fidelity and strict integrity."
Erected by National Underground Railroad Network To Freedom.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • Cemeteries & Burial Sites. A significant historical year for this entry is 1836.
Location. 42° 20.052′ N, 72° 40.451′ W. Marker is in Northampton, Massachusetts, in Hampshire County. It is in Florence. It is on Park Street north of W Center Street, on the left when traveling north. Located in the Park Street Cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Florence MA 01062, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Massachusetts’
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Mill River Flood (within shouting distance of this marker); Florence Manufacturing (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Anti-Slavery Community (about 500 feet away); Entrepreneurs and Philanthropists (about 500 feet away); The Florence Eagles (about 500 feet away); Sojourner Truth (about 800 feet away); After the demise of the Northampton Association (about 800 feet away); Northampton Association of Education and Industry (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northampton.
Also see . . . Basil Dorsey (Wikipedia). (Submitted on July 15, 2024, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
Photographed by Marc Posner, June 16, 2024
2. Basil C. Dorsey Marker & Gravestone
Photographed by Marc Posner, June 16, 2024
3. Basil C. Dorsey Marker & Gravestone
Credits. This page was last revised on July 15, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 11, 2024, by Marc Posner of Somerville, Massachusetts. This page has been viewed 363 times since then and 59 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 11, 2024, by Marc Posner of Somerville, Massachusetts. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.
