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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

Wed 18 Jun

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $49.00

Make a reservation

Wed 18 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)

Michael M

Dec 2012

This was a great tour! It was very informative. The African Burial Ground National Monument and the museum was amazing.

Stacy P

Dec 2012

This walking tour is a must for the history enthusiast. Anyone interested in African-American history as it pertains to New York will find this tour quite educational.

elymomo

Sep 2024

Tour booked thanks to the Go City Pass and I must say it was lucky to find out so, differently, independently, I don't know if I would have found it. Our Guide, Ludie, was crazy: a concentrate of energy and passion rare both for his work and for the important story he was telling us. The tour lasted 3 hours, during which the Guide told us the history of slavery in New York, giving us the opportunity to both contextualize the news and broaden our gaze to better read today's reality. Precious time and a different way to deepen the history of the city with all its contradictions. Really highly recommended!

Response from Host

Jan 2025

Thank you so much for the wonderful feedback! We are happy that the tour enriched your experience in New York. Ludie is truly amazing at sharing history and passion with our guests. We are pleased that you found the tour engaging and meaningful. We hope to see you again soon for other experiences! ---- Grazie mille per il meraviglioso feedback! Siamo felici che il tour abbia arricchito la vostra esperienza a New York. Ludie è davvero straordinaria nel condividere storia e passione con i nostri ospiti. Siamo lieti che abbiate trovato il tour coinvolgente e significativo. Speriamo di rivedervi presto per altre esperienze!