Windsor in Essex County, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
The Underground Railroad in Canada
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, August 9, 2010
1. The Underground Railroad in Canada Marker
From the early 19th century until the American Civil War, settlements along the Detroit and Niagara rivers were important terminals of the Underground Railroad. White and black abolitionists formed a heroic network dedicated to helping free and enslaved African Americans find freedom from oppression. By 1861, some 30,000 freedom-seekers resided in what is now Ontario, after secretly traveling north from slave states like Kentucky and Virginia. Some returned south after the outbreak of the Civil War, but many remained, helping to forge the modern Canadian identity.
Erected by Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Abolition & Underground RR. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Historic Sites and Monuments Board series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1861.
Location. 42° 19.184′ N, 83° 2.206′ W. Marker is in Windsor, Ontario, in Essex County. It is on Pitt Street East east of Goyeau Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Windsor ON N9A, Canada. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Original Home of Major F.A. Tilston V.C. Armoury (approx. 0.2 kilometers away); The Great Western Railway (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); The Rt. Hon. Herb Gray, PC., C.C., Q.C. (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); French Settlement on the South Shore (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); The Bell (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); The Catholic Coloured Mission of Windsor / La Mission Catholique Noire de Windsor (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); The Detroit River (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Mary Ann Shadd Cary (1823-1893) (approx. 0.4 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Windsor.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, August 9, 2010
2. The Underground Railroad in Canada Marker
View of historical marker affixed to the south side of the monument.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, August 9, 2010
3. The Underground Railroad in Canada Marker
View looking northeast of the historic marker, the monument and sculpting, and the park grounds, with a distant view of the Detroit River and downtown Detroit, Michigan in the background.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, August 9, 2010
4. The Underground Railroad in Canada Memorial
View of the east side of the monument.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, August 9, 2010
5. The Underground Railroad in Canada Memorial
View of the north side of the monument.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, August 9, 2010
6. The Underground Railroad in Canada Memorial
View of the plaque at the base of the south side of the monument.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, August 9, 2010
7. The Underground Railroad in Canada Memorial
View looking southeast of the monument and of the Casino Windsor in the background.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, August 9, 2010
8. The Underground Railroad in Canada Memorial
View of the west side of the monument.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 2, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 30, 2010, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 2,162 times since then and 39 times this year. Last updated on September 9, 2025, by Kevin Westell of St. Catharines, Ontario. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on October 30, 2010, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Transcription of the French text • Can you help?
