Wilmington in New Castle County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Thomas Garrett

Stationmaster on the Underground Railroad

By William Pfingsten, August 31, 2008

1. Thomas Garrett Marker

Inscription. Born August 21, 1789, in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, Garrett came to Wilmington in 1822. A prominent merchant, his home and business were located nearby on Shipley Street. Garrett was committed to the anti-slavery efforts of his Quaker faith. He is credited with assisting more than 2,700 of “God’s Poor” to escape slavery through the secret network known as the Underground Railroad. Though he was convicted and fined by the U.S. District Court in 1848 for aiding runaway slaves, he refused to abandon the fight to abolish slavery. After his death on January 25, 1871, Black Wilmingtonians carried him to the Quaker Cemetery at 4th and West Streets in appreciation of his unwavering commitment to the emancipation of slaves.

Erected 1993 by Delaware State Archives. (Marker Number NC-88.)

Location. 39° 44.432′ N, 75° 33.127′ W. Marker is in Wilmington, Delaware, in New Castle County. Marker is at the intersection of 4th Street and Shipley Street, on the right when traveling east on 4th Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Wilmington DE 19801, United States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Old Farmers Bank (within shouting distance of this marker); Lincoln's Speech

By William Pfingsten, August 31, 2008

2. Thomas Garrett Marker

Site is now occupied by the Delaware Technical Community College

(about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Delaware's Jewish Community (about 500 feet away); Willingtown Square (about 600 feet away); Grand Lodge of Delaware A.F.&A.M. (about 600 feet away); Old Town Hall (about 600 feet away); Brown v. Board of Education (about 700 feet away); John Dickinson (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wilmington.

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.

Also see . . . Thomas Garrett by Russ Pickett. (Submitted on September 1, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.)

Categories. • Abolition & Underground RR • Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Churches & Religion • Notable Persons •

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. This page originally submitted on September 1, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 2,483 times since then and 42 times this year. Last updated on August 6, 2013, by Keith S Smith of West Chester, Pennsylvania. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 1, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.