Last updated: February 26, 2022
Place
Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center
National Underground Railroad Heritage Center
Quick Facts
Location:
825 Depot Avenue West Niagara Falls, NY 14305
Significance:
Highlights the importance of the Underground Railroad in Niagara Falls
Designation:
While the Heritage Center is not a National Park or National Historic Landmark, the building housing the Heritage Center, the historic 1863 U.S. Customs House, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Heritage Center is located within the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area, a National Heritage Area, a program of the National Park Service, designed by Congress in 2008.
Amenities
3 listed
Food/Drink - Vending Machine/Self Service, Gifts/Souvenirs/Books, Restroom
The Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center, located in the 1863 U.S. Customs House, overlooks the former location of the International Suspension bridge, a point of crossing for many freedom seekers including Harriet Tubman.
As a major tourist destination in the 19th century, Niagara Falls pulsed with activity. People came from all over the world to see the great cataract. But for those escaping from slavery, the quarter mile across the river had a life-changing significance. It was all that stood between them and liberty.
People escaping from slavery funneled toward Niagara Falls in greater numbers when the International Suspension Bridge began carrying trains over the Niagara River in 1855. Both efficient and elegant, it spanned the gorge right outside the present-day Heritage Center building. Suddenly, freedom seekers could ride trains from Underground Railroad hubs in Baltimore, Philadelphia, Rochester, and New York City directly to Niagara Falls. They traveled hundreds of miles in a few hours and crossed into Canada simply by staying aboard. Support from railroad employees and abolitionists along the routes – especially on New York Central lines – made the bridge a magnet for thousands of people seeking freedom.
Harriet Tubman, the extraordinary Underground Railroad activist, led many groups over the Suspension Bridge. One of Tubman’s most famous trips is the one she made with Joe Bailey a freedom seeker so gripped by fear during the perilous journey north from Maryland that he did not utter a word or look up until Tubman exclaimed that they finally reached Canada. Harriet Tubman and Joe Bailey’s determination and courage to persevere against great odds embodies the strength of all of those who have crossed to freedom.