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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)

Trip21020959931

Sep 2024

I thought that I would learn something that I didn't already know about the subject of the walking tour so I was disappointed that this tour did not add to my knowledge and we visited locations I had already seen, if you are new to this subject then this tour would perfect. Our guide I thought did too much talking and rushed everywhere so we could not keep up with her, she did not take into consideration the different ages of people on the tour.

Response from Host

Oct 2024

Thank you for sharing your feedback with us. The guide leading your tour is a dedicated scholar with a wealth of knowledge, and we’re sorry to hear that it didn’t add as much to your experience as we had hoped. Our guides are always open to questions during the tour, and we encourage guests to engage with them whenever possible. Regarding accessibility, we strive to make our tours enjoyable and accessible for everyone. If there are any mobility concerns, we kindly ask that guests inform us or the guide ahead of time so we can make necessary preparations. This ensures a smooth experience for everyone involved. We apologize if there was any oversight in this instance and will take steps to improve communication moving forward. As for the pace of the tour, we understand that preferences can vary. Your tour is a highly rated 5-star guide, and we’re proud of the excellent experiences she typically provides. However, we will remind all our guides to be mindful of pacing and ensure they are sensitive to the needs of all guests, especially those with mobility concerns.

maridalig2016

Sep 2024

Maia is a passionate storyteller. She guides you through the history of enslaved people in New York City, as well as the city’s history, from the beginning up until a surprising and moving end. This is a highly recommended experience if you appreciate history. Highly recommend!

Response from Host

Jan 2025

Thank you for your thoughtful feedback! We’re thrilled to hear that Maia’s passion and storytelling brought the history of enslaved people in New York City to life for you. Her ability to connect the past to a moving conclusion truly makes the experience unforgettable. Thank you for your high recommendation!

johnhw2017

Sep 2024

Amazing tour. Very informative. Sean was out guide, he really knew his stuff. The stories he told really brought alive the history.

Response from Host

Jan 2025

Thank you for your kind feedback! We’re thrilled you enjoyed the tour and found it so informative. Sean’s deep knowledge and captivating storytelling truly bring history to life. We’re glad you had such a memorable experience and hope to see you on another tour in the future!