Peterboro in Madison County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Gerrit Smith Estate

— Underground Rairoad Heritage Trail —

Photographed by Susan A. Dalaba, April 25, 2022

1. Gerrit Smith Estate Marker

Inscription. The Gerrit Smith Estate National Historic Landmark site was the home and office of Ann Carroll Fitzhugh Smith (1805-1875) and Gerrit Smith (1797-1874). The Smith’s believed that their wealth was a gift to share with oppressed people, and during their lives gave away over eight million dollars.

Gerrit Smith was one of the most powerful abolitionist in the United States due to his liberal ideas and his wealth. Scores of abolitionists received support and renewed commitment to the cause of freedom at the Smith home.

The Smith’s helped hundreds of African Americans by purchasing their freedom from slavery, arranging safe passage to Canada, helping families establish their lives locally, giving deeds to land, providing educational opportunities, and working for human rights. Due to the Smith’s persuasive and exemplary efforts, Peterboro became a crossroads for human benevolence and intercultural harmony.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • African Americans.

Location. 42° 58.049′ N, 75° 41.21′ W. Marker is in Peterboro,

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New York, in Madison County. It is at the intersection of Oxbow Road (Old County Route 25) and Peterboro Road (County Route 32), on the left on Oxbow Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 5304 Oxbow Road, Peterboro NY 13134, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Upstate New York,

specifically in Central New York,

and in the Syracuse Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American Northeast

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

New Netherland,

and one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A different marker also named Gerrit Smith Estate (a few steps from this marker); Gerrit Smith: Humanitarian (a few steps from this marker); The Land Office (a few steps from this marker); Gerrit Smith: Abolitionist (a few steps from this marker); Peterboro Land Office (a few steps from this marker); The Mansion (a

Photographed by Susan A. Dalaba, April 25, 2022

2. Gerrit Smith Estate Marker

few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Gerrit Smith: Abolitionist (a few steps from this marker); Gerrit Smith (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Peterboro.

Photographed by Susan A. Dalaba, April 25, 2022

3. Gerrit Smith Estate Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on April 26, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 5, 2025, by Susan A. Dalaba of Cortland, New York. This page has been viewed 75 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 5, 2025, by Susan A. Dalaba of Cortland, New York. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.

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