Pittsfield in Merrimack County, New Hampshire — The American Northeast (New England)

Frederick Douglass' Visit

1842

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 2, 2024

1. Frederick Douglass' Visit Marker

Inscription. On one of these gravestones sat the Black abolitionist Frederick Douglass in a cold, drizzling rain after giving an anti-slavery speech in the Old Meeting House. Having been refused service at a nearby hotel, he was hungry and without shelter. Pro-slavery Senator Moses Norris, Jr., in an act of humanitarian kindness, invited the disconsolate stranger into his house for the evening. Thereafter, Mr. Douglass was treated with great respect.

Erected 1999 by Pittsfield Historical Society. (Marker Number 9.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Events. In addition, it is included in the New Hampshire, Pittsfield Historical Trail series list.

Location. 43° 18.223′ N, 71° 19.508′ W. Marker is in Pittsfield, New Hampshire, in Merrimack County. It can be reached from Main Street west of Broadway Street, on the right when traveling west. Marker is at the Old Meeting House Cemetery between Advent Christian Church and the Pittsfield Community Center. It is toward the rear of the church. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 68 Main St, Pittsfield NH 03263, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American Northeast

and in New England.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Old Meeting House (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Meeting House Cemetery

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

(within shouting distance of this marker); Tuttle Mansion (within shouting distance of this marker); Memorial School (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Stage Depot (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Pittsfield Bank (about 400 feet away); Grammar School (about 400 feet away); Yellow Block (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pittsfield.

Also see . . .
1. The day Frederick Douglass came to town. Douglass' recollection of his Pittsfield visit, contained in his autobiography, is reprinted here. (Mike Pride, "Our War" blog, Jan. 15, 2014) (Submitted on November 15, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

2. Pittsfield Historical Trail (PDF). Historical guide for a 1.5-mile loop trail developed by the Pittsfield Historical Society. The trail stops at three dozen historical sites that were typical of New England communities more than a century ago: homes, churches, schools, industrial and commercial buildings as well as dams and bridges. (Submitted on November 15, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 2, 2024

2. Frederick Douglass' Visit Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on November 16, 2024. It was originally submitted on November 15, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 172 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 15, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.