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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

Fri 20 Jun

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $49.00

Make a reservation

Fri 20 Jun

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)

Erica_O

Mar 2024

Wonderful tour guide. She shared a wealth of challenging history and details while connecting with the humanity of the people involved in the events. In the time we had I learned so much, and it gave me a great, jumping off, point to die even deeper into this history.

Response from Host

Dec 2024

Many thanks for your great review! Were so glad to hear that your tour guide made it such a rich and meaningful experience, working out the historical events with humanity behind them. Hope to see you again soon for another great experience!

Pamela_B

Feb 2024

Hands down. Great tour. Not Sugar coated and I appreciated that from the guide. I learned a tremendous about of history. I was particularly amazed at how much of New York (up north) owes its grandiose from Black human trafficking — especially the Stock Exchange. It was sad but we have to get the truth and facts out there. I learned about Dr Smith, the best physician in New York, a black man who at the end of his life had no family because of the tragedy of “passing” by his descendants. I was excited to see the African American burial Ground. It was solemn and powerful. Overall I was just thankful for this tour and the guide because it changed how I see the Justice system and made me realize that Black Americans have come a long way in a short time but there is still more to go and the American past is affects the present. It’s sad and scary that some school systems don’t want any of this American history taught.

Response from Host

Dec 2024

Thank you for such enlightening feedback! We are so pleased that the tour carried meaning for you and provided a deeper understanding of Harlem Gospel history and its connections to broader themes in American history. These are truths that must be lifted, and we are grateful for your receptivity to the experience. We feel so privileged to have shared this tour with you and do hope it continues to inspire your view on these critical subject matters. Thanks a million for sharing, and look forward to seeing you soon!

c0ffeeallday

Jan 2024

We learned a lot! The tour guide was friendly, personable and invited questions. He gave book recommendations related to the topic too.

Response from Host

Dec 2024

Thanks for your comment! We are very happy to learn from you that you enjoyed a lot during the tour and liked the friendly, personal approach of your guide. Looking forward to having you back again soon on another enriching experience!