John Coburn House

2 Philips Street

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Location:

2 Phillips Street

Significance:

Home to community activist John Coburn.

Designation:

Black Heritage Trail Site

OPEN TO PUBLIC:

No

MANAGED BY:

Private Residence

A prominent clothing dealer and community activist, John Coburn (1811–1873) served as treasurer of the New England Freedom Association, an organization dedicated to helping people escape from slavery. Authorities arrested, though later acquitted, Coburn for his alleged role in the courthouse rescue of Shadrach Minkins, the first person seized in Boston under the 1850 Fugitive Slave Law. Coburn also co-founded the Massasoit Guards, a Black military company and precursor to the 54^th Regiment.

**Historic homes on the Black Heritage Trail® are private residences and not open to the public. Please respect the privacy of homeowners.

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🔊 Listen: John Coburn House on the Black Heritage Trail Audio Tour

John Coburn House - Boston African American National Historic Site