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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)

Joc C

Dec 2024

Was a good tour, many interesting elements. Did not fully live up to the reviews I read. Would have liked more info about Underground Railroad route. Guide came with their material not prepared, spent a lot of time trying to find the right images… even showed us images of people who were not who they said they were and were corrected by the tour attendees. That said, the guide was personable and humorous… I think we may have caught them on a non-typical day. I found the ending to be inspiring.

Response from Host

Dec 2024

Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts about your recent tour experience with us. We’re glad to hear that you found many aspects of the tour interesting and that the ending was inspiring. We also appreciate your kind words about the guide’s personable and humorous approach. That said, we regret that the tour did not fully meet your expectations and that the preparation and delivery of some content fell short. We take feedback like yours seriously and will use it to ensure our guides are better equipped with well-prepared materials and accurate information. It's essential to us that all aspects of the tour, especially significant topics like the Underground Railroad, are presented with depth and accuracy. Thank you again for your thoughtful comments. We hope to have the opportunity to provide you with an even more enriching and seamless experience in the future.

marywR9598MW

Nov 2024

If you want to better understand our current political situation today, take this tour. This is a very well-researched tour that connects the dots from the early 1600's to today. Don't miss it!

Response from Host

Jan 2025

Thank you for the fantastic feedback! We're thrilled to hear that the tour provided such a deep understanding of our current political situation by connecting historical events from the 1600s to today. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we’re so glad you found the experience valuable. We hope to welcome you on another tour soon!

Terry G

Nov 2024

Sean did an outstanding job educating us on the history of slavery and the underground railroad in NYC. His depth of knowledge, as a historian, was impressive, as was his storytelling. I didn't realize how little I knew about slavery in this city and the history is quite extensive. This tour is a MUST if you are visiting NYC.

Response from Host

Jan 2025

Thank you for your thoughtful feedback! We're thrilled Sean's expertise and storytelling brought the history of slavery and the Underground Railroad in NYC to life for you. It’s wonderful to hear how impactful the tour was in deepening your understanding. We agree—this tour is truly a must-see in NYC!