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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)

Peter B

Jul 2024

Our guide, Sean, began with information about the American Indian presence before and after European settlement. Then, we had a brief overview of the use of slavery globally and then, more specifically, in the USA. While slavery and the underground railway were the main topics, Sean also included general historical information on New York. I'm glad I did this tour, and hopefully, many more people will do it too.

Response from Host

Jan 2025

Thank you for your thoughtful feedback! We’re glad to hear that Sean provided such a comprehensive and insightful tour, covering important topics like the American Indian presence and the history of slavery. Hope to catch you on another tour soon!

jacquelinepU591GV

Jun 2024

Sean was a terrific tour guide. Very well informed and cared greatly about his topic...you could tell. The information he did share was very interesting and very relevant. I was just surprised there wasn't more about slavery in NYC. It was also extremely hot and a lot of walking...not that the tour leaders could control for that, but sitting whenever we stopped would have been possible and nice.

Response from Host

Jan 2025

Thank you for your thoughtful feedback! We're delighted you found Sean to be an excellent guide, sharing engaging and relevant information with genuine passion. We appreciate your suggestions about including more on slavery in NYC and providing opportunities to sit during stops, especially in the heat. For a more comfortable experience, we recommend considering tours during cooler weather. We hope to welcome you on another tour soon!

Crystal_P

Jun 2024

This was a great tour. Our tour guide was super knowledgeable about all the different stops and brought in so many different aspects of different parts of history to make the experience that much more meaningful.

Response from Host

Jan 2025

Thank you for your kind feedback! We’re delighted you enjoyed the tour and found the guide’s extensive knowledge and ability to weave together different aspects of history so impactful. It’s wonderful to hear the experience was meaningful for you. We hope to welcome you on another tour soon!