Windsor in Essex County, Ontario — Central Canada

The Underground Railroad in Canada

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, August 9, 2010

1. The Underground Railroad in Canada Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

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.

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. Marker 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.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Great Western Railway (about 150 meters away, measured in a direct line); Original Home of Major F.A. Tilston V.C. Armoury

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(approx. 0.2 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 Detroit River (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); The Francois Baby House (approx. half a kilometer away); The Battle of Windsor - 1838 (approx. half a kilometer away); The Gateway to Freedom (approx. one kilometer away in the U.S.). 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.

The Underground Railroad in Canada Memorial image. Click for full size.

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 June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 30, 2010, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,723 times since then and 68 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on October 30, 2010, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.