Washington Township near Waynesboro in Franklin County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Underground Railroad
Monterey Pass Gave Protection to Those Seeking Freedom
The Underground Railroad was a network of secret routes used by African American slaves during the early to mid 1800’s, to escape to the free states and Canada. One of the routes used by African-American slaves was South Mountain, where they crossed the Potomac River near Knoxville, MD.
Moving to the area of modern day Rouzerville, known then as Waterloo and Pikesville, the Jacob Shocky farm helped many African-Americans to safety by leading them to safe places to hide.
Using the mountain at night due to it’s spurs and densely forested areas, it provided shelter and safety. Moving northward along the ridge, the South Mountain Underground Railroad route led directly to Pennsylvania and points north.
By 1860, Franklin County had the fifth largest African-American population in Pennsylvania. Many of these men would later serve the Union army by volunteering into one of the United States Colored Troops regiments.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • African Americans • War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1860.
Location. 39° 44.345′ N, 77° 28.762′ W. Marker is near Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, in Franklin County. It is in Washington Township. Marker can be reached from Charmian Road near Buchanan Trail East/Waynesboro Road, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 9 Charmian Rd, Waynesboro PA 17268, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Battle of Monterey Pass (here, next to this marker); The Raid On Harpers Ferry (here, next to this marker); Before The Battle Of Gettysburg (a few steps from this marker); Blue Ridge Summit Lions (within shouting distance of this marker); The Retreat From Gettysburg (within shouting distance of this marker); Brown's Spring (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The Battle of Monterey Pass (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The Battle of Monterey Pass (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Waynesboro.
Regarding The Underground Railroad. The marker's third paragraph uses "it's" inappropriately.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 2, 2019, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 406 times since then and 18 times this year. Last updated on July 11, 2022, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 2, 2019, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.