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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)

Quest04168670040

Sep 2024

This tour was extraordinary. Ludie our guide made the history of slavery in NY come alive. In her descriptions and use of visuals we could use our imaginations to feel the pain and diminished humanity of an enslaved person. Her knowledge of history is deep and she conveyed her information so you could place yourself in 17th - 19th century Manhattan. I am hard of hearing and despite the city noise I could hear every word. Judy

Response from Host

Jan 2025

Thank you for your thoughtful feedback! We're delighted to hear Ludie made the history of slavery in New York come alive with her vivid storytelling and deep knowledge. It’s wonderful to know you felt engaged and heard despite the city noise. We hope to see you on another impactful tour soon!

rosalynnduvall

Sep 2024

The most memorable piece was seeing the burial to honor the slavers who were found in NYC. Our guide Sean was able to provide additional context in the symbols carved into the monument.

Response from Host

Jan 2025

Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re glad the burial site and its powerful history resonated with you. Sean’s ability to provide deeper context about the monument’s symbols truly enhances the experience. We hope you’ll join us again for more meaningful and insightful tours in the future!

975arianah

Aug 2024

Amazing tour, extremely informative. My best experience in NYC. Go through history and New Yorks part in both slavery and the Underground Railroad.

Response from Host

Jan 2025

Thank you for your fantastic feedback! We're thrilled to hear that the tour was your best experience in NYC. It's great that you found the history of slavery and the Underground Railroad both informative and impactful. We appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you back on another tour soon!