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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)

samw374

Aug 2024

Sean was our guide and did an excellent job walking us through history and contextualizing history. As a history professor, he knows his stuff and also underlined how the city and our country still has a long way to go to honor and memorialize ALL of America’s history. I learned two new black American history pioneers: Samuel Fraunces and Thomas Downing!

Response from Host

Jan 2025

Thank you for your thoughtful feedback! We’re so glad you enjoyed Sean’s tour and his ability to contextualize history. His expertise as a history professor truly shines through. We're thrilled that you learned about Samuel Fraunces and Thomas Downing. We appreciate your insight and hope to welcome you on another tour soon!

Kendyl B

Aug 2024

Fascinating tour which provided a comprehensive overview of slavery and America’s involvement. Rudy is a passionate and generous tour guide.

Response from Host

Jan 2025

Thank you for your thoughtful feedback! We're so glad you found the tour fascinating and appreciated the comprehensive overview of slavery. Rudy will be thrilled to know his passion and generosity made a positive impact. We appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you on another tour soon!

Micdec1119

Aug 2024

Lower Manhattan is mostly known for the ferry departure to the Statue of Liberty or Wall Street. This tour, however, gives you an interesting and need-to-know overview of its history of slavery by looking into several remarkable buildings, statues, landmarks, memorials and especially people. Special thanks to Sean, who shared his great historical knowledge with us during the tour.

Response from Host

Jan 2025

Thank you for your thoughtful feedback! We're so glad you enjoyed the unique perspective on Lower Manhattan's history of slavery. Sean will be thrilled to hear your appreciation of his historical knowledge. We’re happy to have been able to share such an important and enriching experience with you!