Choptank River Heritage Center

Steal Away by River

— Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway —

Choptank River Heritage Center Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Don Morfe, October 29, 2014

1. Choptank River Heritage Center Marker

Inscription. The Choptank River was as entwined with the history of slavery and freedom on the Eastern Shore as any plantation. Slaves arrived by boat for auction and left the dock in the hands of a new owner. At wharves like this, black watermen played an important role in freedom’s network, bringing news, passing gossip, and occasionally whispering advice about the prospects for escape.

A river crossing was always dangerous for fleeing slaves. Few could swim, and currents were strong. Bridges were tempting but usually tended. Dogs and slave catchers could corner escapees at the water’s edge. Freedom seekers often improved plans to steal away by water.

After abolitionist Hugh Haziett’s arrest for helping slaves escape, he was taken from Caroline County jail to trial down river in Cambridge, where and angry mob greeted his arrival.

RIGHT: Moses Viney used two fence posts for oars and rowed a stolen canoe to freedom. He successfully reached Schenectady, NY, where he worked for Union College and owned several buildings downtown.

Erected by America's Byways; Maryland Heritage Area Authority. (Marker Number 35.)

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

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. In addition, it is included in the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway series list.

Location. Marker has been permanently removed. It was located near 38° 53.304′ N, 75° 50.376′ W. Marker was in Denton, Maryland, in Caroline County. It was on River Landing Road. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 10219 River Landing Road, Denton MD 21629, United States of America.

We have been informed that this marker is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.

Regionally, this marker was on the Eastern Shore.

It was also in the American Mid-Atlantic,

on the Delmarva Peninsula,

and in the Tidewater.

Globally, it was in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it found itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies

and also the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location: Maryland Steamboat Company's Joppa Wharf at Denton (here, next to this marker); Steamboats on the Choptank River (a few steps from this marker); Hubs of Activity (a few steps from this marker); The Denton Arrests (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Moses and the Hounds (about 400 feet away); Caroline County Visitor Center (about 700 feet away); Neck Meeting House (approx. 0.3 miles away); Tuckahoe Neck Meeting House (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Denton.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Nest of Traitors (was within shouting distance

Choptank River Heritage Center image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Don Morfe, October 29, 2014

2. Choptank River Heritage Center

of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

More about this marker. The marker is gone from its location. “Private Property. No Trespassing” signs mark all entrances to the wharf where it was.

Choptank River Heritage Center-Maryland Steamboat Co. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Don Morfe, October 29, 2014

3. Choptank River Heritage Center-Maryland Steamboat Co.

The Choptank River image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Don Morfe, October 29, 2014

4. The Choptank River

Credits. This page was last revised on May 6, 2024. It was originally submitted on December 2, 2014, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,281 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 2, 2014, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.