Denton in Caroline County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Moses and the Hounds
Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway
Photographed By Don Morfe, October 29, 2014
1. Moses and the Hounds Marker
Growing up as a slave near Easton, MD, Moses Viney often heard, "The wild geese come from Canada, where all are free." When he was 23 years old, Moses learned he might be sold to a new owner in the Deep South. To avoid this fate, he and two friends escaped on Easter morning in April 1840. They swore they would make it to Canada or die trying.
Upon reaching the Choptank River, the trio attempted to cross a bridge near here. But the plantation’s hounds were hot on their trail, trapping the men on the west (opposite) bank. Fortunately, Moses had anticipated this happening.
Months before leaving, he had fed those dogs well and treated them kindly. When they charged at him, Moses greeted the pack and ordered them home. The hounds recognized their friend and obediently turned back. The three men then found a canoe, fashioned fence rails into oars, and safely crossed the river.
They continued on to Philadelphia, where Moses received help from Rev. Alexander Wayman, an Underground Railroad agent and former Caroline County resident. He eventually reached upstate New York, where he lived out his days as a free man.
Denton’s
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • African Americans • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway series list. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1840.
Location. 38° 53.298′ N, 75° 50.286′ W. Marker is in Denton, Maryland, in Caroline County. Marker is on Foot of Gay Street. The marker is located in the G. Daniel Crouse Memorial Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Denton MD 21629, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Denton Arrests (a few steps from this marker); Caroline County Visitor Center (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Choptank River Heritage Center (about 400 feet away); Steamboats on the Choptank River (about 400 feet away); Hubs of Activity (about 400 feet away); Maryland Steamboat Company's Joppa Wharf at Denton (about 400 feet away); Great Wars of World Conflict
Photographed By Don Morfe, October 29, 2014
3. Moses and the Hounds Marker
This photo was taken before the adjacent marker was installed.
Photographed By Don Morfe, October 29, 2014
4. Crouse Memorial Park Signage
Credits. This page was last revised on September 5, 2022. It was originally submitted on December 2, 2014, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 673 times since then and 64 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on December 2, 2014, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. 2. submitted on September 5, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 3, 4. submitted on December 2, 2014, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
