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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 17 Jul

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $49.00

Make a reservation

Thu 17 Jul

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)

Flowerbudmel

Apr 2019

Damaras was amazing and very knowledgeable about the history. She was very easy to follow, she was fun to laugh with and we appreciate that she gave us a choice to hear more of the gruesome stuff if we asked. I'm glad that we had an opportunity to listen about something that isn't talked about anymore. I was surprised to learn that it wasn't underground and it wasn't about any kind of railroad, however, it made sense after she was telling us the history about why it was called that. Crazy how history makes a full circle in many ways. I do wish history would make a better turn, rather than a 360.

jacksonhamm

Apr 2019

The NYC slavery and Underground Railroad tour is so much more than the title would lead you to believe. My wife and I signed up for the tour expecting to learn about the slave trade in New York City, (which we did and it was very informative) but our guide Damaras took the tour to another level by discussing the impact the slave trade had (and still has) on American history. Damaras was knowledgeable, personable and very passionate about the subject matter.

31SueA

Apr 2019

Did this tour with Damaras today. She was a fantastic guide with so much knowledge to share. I would have loved to talk to her for hours. Definitely recommend this tour.