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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

Mon 21 Apr

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $49.00

Make a reservation

Mon 21 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)

saraheO4322DI

Jan 2025

It was a very cold day in January in NYC and our tour guide Maia made it worth walking the windy streets for 2+ hours. She was incredibly knowledgeable, able to answer everyone's questions and is clearly very passionate about history. My 12 year old daughter and I loved it.

Response from Host

Jan 2025

Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We’re so glad that Maia’s passion and knowledge made your tour enjoyable despite the cold January weather. It’s great to hear that both you and your daughter had such a positive experience. We hope to welcome you on another tour soon—hopefully on a warmer day!

TRVazquez

Dec 2024

The walking tour was amazing. I learned so much that I never knew. Our guide, Sean was well informed and a great orator. Great job!

Response from Host

Jan 2025

Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you learned so much during the tour and enjoyed Sean's informative and engaging style. We truly appreciate your kind words and will be sure to pass them along to Sean. We hope to welcome you on another tour soon!

yazminruiz

Dec 2024

Our tour guide was great , he was friendly and very informative, he took his time to explain and educate us on the horrors of American slavery. we will definitely recommend

Response from Host

Jan 2025

Thank you for your thoughtful feedback! We're glad to hear that your guide was both friendly and informative, taking the time to share such important historical insights. It's great to know you found the tour educational, and we truly appreciate your recommendation. We hope to welcome you again soon on another tour!