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New York City Slavery and Underground Railroad Tour

New York City Slavery and Underground Railroad Tour

Overview

Learn the contributions of enslaved people to NYC including the brave uprisings against oppression. Then discover the exciting history of the Underground Railroad, a network of clandestine routes and safe houses used by enslaved African Americans primarily to escape into free states and Canada.

Visit an archeological site and memorial dedicated to the memory of enslaved Africans in colonial America. Visit the site of a former station on the Underground Railroad. Learn about the revolts, kidnappings and dramatic escapes that occurred during the era of American slavery. Listen to tales of courage and triumph and discover the stories of real New Yorkers who risked their lives and properties to help people escape slavery on this historical New York City walking tour.

City: New York City

Thu 17 Apr

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $49.00

Make a reservation

Thu 17 Apr

Starting at $49.00

Make a reservation

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What's Included

History of the Underground Railroad

Slavery in Historical Context

The site of New York’s first slave market

Local guide

African Burial Ground

New York’s Role in Slavery

Fraunces Tavern

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

What To Expect

National Museum of the American Indian

(Exterior Visit) Built in 1907, Alexander Hamilton Custom House stands as a Beaux-Arts treasure commemorating the rise of trade and commerce in NYC with 3 floors of art and artifacts dedicated to Native Americans.

Battery Park

For more than 200 years, The Battery has been an invaluable part of New York City’s history. Decades before Ellis Island was built or the Statue of Liberty gazed down at incoming boats, millions of newcomers arrived at The Battery from Europe and elsewhere.

Fraunces Tavern Museum

(Exterior Visit) The location played a prominent role in history before, during, and after the American Revolution.

Wall Street

An actual wall existed on the street from 1685 to 1699. The heart of the financial system and the former location of the Wall was built by enslaved people.

Foley Square

Foley Square is the location of the “Triumph of the Human Spirit,” a sculpture honoring the presence of enslaved people in New York.

African Burial Ground National Monument

African Burial Ground and memorial is the oldest and largest known excavated burial ground in New York documenting the lives of enslaved people in New York.

Show 3 more stops

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (378)

mattmd247

Mar 2025

Excellent, learnt so much. It pains me that people are not taught more about the history of the US and the heartbreak and inhumanity of the transatlantic chattel slave trade and how its ramifications impact us ALL to this very day. Ludie our guide brought this history to life, through her knowledge and passion. A thoroughly engaging 2.5 hours and well worth the fee.

Holly_B

Feb 2025

This was a very informative and fun tour. Our guide was knowledgeable and entertaining to talk to. He showed us many places that would otherwise have passed us by, and told us about the history.

Response from Host

Feb 2025

Thank you for your feedback! We're delighted to hear that you found the tour both informative and fun. A great guide makes all the difference, and we're glad they helped you discover hidden gems and rich history. We hope to see you on another tour soon!

debbieo230

Jan 2025

My second time participating. The information learned is inspiring, jaw-dropping, essential. Recommend for everyone —at least once, if not twice! I’ll be bringing others to share this life-changing experience! Our tour guide,Maia, was amazing.