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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 19 Jun

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $49.00

Make a reservation

Thu 19 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)

labby2020

Nov 2024

Maia gave us an outstanding tour. There were 9 people in the group and we could always hear easily and ask questions. Maia is super knowledgeable and shared so much history and context with the group. This is one of the best tours we've taken.

Response from Host

Jan 2025

Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We’re thrilled to hear that Maia provided such an outstanding experience and that the small group size made it easy to engage and ask questions. Her deep knowledge and storytelling truly make the tour special. We’re honored to be one of your best tours!

Michael_M

Oct 2024

The tour narrative was really good and finished at the African Burial Ground National Monument. Very Interesting, 2-1/2 hours well spent. Tour guide Ludy had a binder with photographs of historical figures and places, illustrating story of slavery in New York City- who knows all this?

Response from Host

Jan 2025

Thank you for your feedback! We're thrilled you found the tour engaging and educational, with the African Burial Ground National Monument as a meaningful conclusion. Ludie’s use of visuals to illustrate New York's history truly enhances the experience. We’re glad you enjoyed it and hope to see you on another tour!

Lelica1902

Oct 2024

Lots of interestimg info. Our guide was a historian as opposed to a tour guide which generally made for a better experience. Good pace. Well worth a try.

Response from Host

Jan 2025

Thank you for your feedback! We're delighted you enjoyed the tour and appreciated the depth of knowledge our historian brought to the experience. It’s great to hear the pace was comfortable and the tour exceeded expectations. We hope to welcome you back for another enriching tour soon!