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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

Fri 20 Jun

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $49.00

Make a reservation

Fri 20 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)

stully3

Jul 2024

Ludie was an incredible tour guide who did a phenomenal job of bringing this important and often untold history to life. Through engaging, passionate, deeply personal and eloquent explanations and stories we learned (and saw with our own eyes!) how the system of chattel slavery was used to literally build NYC and enrich so many stakeholders in New York and all across the world. Deeply personal and thoughtful. Engaging, inspiring, and so incredibly important—now more than ever. 10/10 recommend for New Yorkers and visitors alike.

Response from Host

Jan 2025

Thank you so much for your thoughtful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that Ludie’s tour brought such an important part of NYC’s history to life for you. We strive to make these experiences engaging and impactful, and it’s wonderful to know the tour resonated with you so deeply. See you soon on another tour!

BARBARA_C

Jul 2024

First of all Ludie is AWESOME! She clearly knows the history and has a very passionate delivery. I live in Florida but I grew up in NY and I had no idea of the history. This tour should be required for all students. I teach the history of race and racism in America and even I learned a lot!! I am SO happy that I discovered this tour!

Response from Host

Jan 2025

Thank you for your amazing feedback! We’re thrilled you enjoyed the NYC Slavery and Underground Railroad Tour with Ludie. Her passion and deep knowledge truly make the history come alive. It’s fantastic to hear that even as a history educator, you learned so much. We agree—this tour is an eye-opener for all! We’re so glad you discovered it and hope to see you on another tour soon!

983triciat

Jul 2024

This was a really good tour. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable. I learned a lot about the history of the Underground Railroad and slavery in New York City.

Response from Host

Jan 2025

Thank you for your feedback! We’re thrilled you enjoyed the Slavery and Underground Railroad tour and found it so informative. It’s wonderful to hear the guide’s knowledge helped you learn more about this important history in New York City. We hope to see you on another tour soon!