Tribeca in Manhattan in New York County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Underground Railroad Station

36 Lispenard Street

Photographed by R. C.

1. Underground Railroad Station Marker

Inscription. On September 3, 1838, human-rights activist Frederick Douglass escaped slavery in Maryland by disguising himself as a sailor and traveling North by carriage, train and boat. A few days later he arrived at 36 Lispenard Street, then a small brick building and a "Station" on the Underground Railroad. A network of secret "Conductors" and safe houses for fugitive slaves. Here, African-American abolitionist David Ruggles kept a reading room and operated a printing press where he published anti-slavery material, including "Mirror of Liberty," an abolitionist newspaper. The site also served as headquarters of the New York Vigilance Committee, on of the Nation's most active anti-slavery campaigns, which aided more than 1,000 freedom-seeking man, women and children.

Erected 2006 by New York Landmarks Preservation Foundation.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • African Americans • Notable Buildings. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1781.

Location. 40° 43.2′ N, 74° 0.2′ W. Marker is in Manhattan, New York, in New York County. It is in Tribeca. It is

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

on 36 Lispenard Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: New York NY 10013, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in New York City.

It is also in the American Northeast

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

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 New Netherland

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Fluxhouse (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); 55 White Street (about 600 feet away); 93 Grand Street (about 600 feet away); Barnett Newman Triangle (about 700 feet away); The Mudd Club, 1978-1981 (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Jerry and Maria McAuley Center (approx. 0.2 miles away); Finn Square (approx. 0.2 miles away); Albert Capsouto Park (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manhattan.

Underground Railroad Station Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed by R. C.

2. Underground Railroad Station Building

Credits. This page was last revised on January 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 26, 2010, by Ronald Claiborne of College Station, Texas. This page has been viewed 2,181 times since then and 48 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 26, 2010, by Ronald Claiborne of College Station, Texas. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.