Places to see...

Freedom Monument - Detroit

 

UNDERGROUND RAILROAD TOURS...

Northstar on the North Shore

African-Canadian heritage tour
1 night/2 days
spring/summer/fall

The North Shore of Lake Erie was the destination when fugitive slaves followed the North Star to Canada and to Freedom. This overnight excursion to the northern terminus of the secret network of activists and abolitionists who helped thousands of enslaved African Americans escape from the southern United States is also a journey about the innate desire to be free. This package can be used whether your approach is through the Detroit gateway or from the Niagara gateway using historic Talbot Trail. Included in this history-packed package are six Underground Railroad sites, an “Erie Soul” themed dinner and many opportunities to come in contact with this significant part of North American history through the words and memories of those whose ancestors traveled the path to freedom not so many decades ago.*

Buxton Homecoming

African-Canadian heritage tour
2 nights/3 days
fall

In 1849 Reverend William King arrived in Buxton from Louisiana with strong convictions, unmitigated determination and 15 American slaves. Together they built a community that was the home to over 2000 people. After the Civil War many stayed on and the community, although somewhat smaller, still thrives to this day. Every Labour Day weekend the community of North Buxton hosts a Homecoming celebration. On this very special weekend, thousands of people from all over North America come to celebrate North Buxton’s rich past. Included in this true country celebration are an old fashioned church dinner, a “memory walk” and a roadside seat for a “calithumpian” parade that is longer than the village itself.*

Land Between the Lakes

African-Canadian heritage/gaming tour
1 Night/2 days
spring/summer/fall

This package follows the path of one of the busiest waterways in the world and the river link that connects two of the greatest of the Great Lakes and two of the greatest countries. Included in this one night escape are a river cruise, comfort country cooking, an opportunity to try your hand at lady luck and a visit to two national historic sites. The other highlight of this amazing tour is a visit to the largest collection of classic cars in North America.

Elgin, Dawn and Chatham

African-Canadian heritage tour
Daytrip
spring/summer/fall

These were the three main settlement areas in southern Canada that provided a place of welcome and refuge for the weary travelers that found their way to freedom on the Underground Railroad. They are all important historical sites. The Chatham settlement was promoted as a Mecca with plenty of business and employment opportunities. Josiah Henson established the Dawn Settlement and lived out his life on the farm that was to become the Uncle Tom’s Cabin Historic Site. The Buxton National Historic Site and Museum puts special emphasis on the history and accomplishments of the settlement’s original settlers. Each of the sites has on display many original artifacts. This day package takes you to all three of these very special sites and includes an “Erie Soul” lunch and a step on guide.*

The Monument to Freedom

African-Canadian heritage tour
Daytrip
spring/summer/fall

One of the largest Underground Railroad terminals was down-river from Detroit at the community of Amherstburg. It was here that the river narrowed and clandestine crossings flourished despite the strong current. This package takes you to the North American Black Historical Museum where the artifacts and documents tell the story of those who swam across the river to freedom with their few belongings tied to their backs. The Nazary African Methodist Episcopal Church and National Historic Site is an early and excellent example of the many small refugee churches found throughout Ontario. This day package also takes you to the International Memorial to the Underground Railroad on the Canadian side. This eye-catching statue depicts the refugees’ arrival into Canada and their overwhelming emotion upon encountering freedom.*

Coming Home

African-Canadian heritage tour
Daytrip
spring/summer/fall

It was at the community of North Buxton that the Elgin settlement was established in 1849. Buxton grew to be a community of over 2000 persons. Today the community, though smaller, has the original church and schoolhouse. The historic Raleigh Schoolhouse #13 has been identified as one of the key elements in the National designation of the Buxton Settlement and is emblematic of the heroic movement in North America to defeat slavery. The church was built in the early 1860's as an African Methodists Church but was changed to British Methodist to declare their allegiance of the Buxton settlers to the British crown of their adopted country. The church continues to be used by the Buxton Community today. This package takes you to Buxton for some time to reflect in the original buildings and to view the permanent and traveling exhibits at the museum. The highlight is a dinner at the site followed by a gospel concert in the church.*

Erie Soul

African-Canadian heritage tour
Daytrip
spring/summer/fall

During the 19th century, thousands of enslaved and many free African-Americans fled the United States and made their way to Canada where they could live as free citizens, in Canada. The majority crossed over into what is now southwestern Ontario and formed communities in the growing villages and towns. Two of these settlements were the Dawn Settlement and the Elgin Settlement. What these settlements have been and what they have both become is the focus of this day package. Your first stop is at the home of the man whose writings were the inspiration for Harriet Beecher Stowe’s book “Uncle Tom’s Cabin. The next stop is the site of a black pioneer community that started with 15 souls, grew to over 2000 persons and still exists as an active community today. The highlight of this day is an “Erie Soul” Lunch, which is a delightful combination of traditional soul food and the freshwater catch of the day.*

Grey Roots

African-Canadian heritage student tour
Daytrip
spring/summer/fall

In the 1850’s escaped slaves, seeking safety to raise their families and live their lives unfettered, followed the North Star as far north as the Port of Owen Sound on Georgian Bay. They were looking for refuge and work. Mayor John Frost sheltered many of the new citizens at his estate, Sheldon Place, until they could establish themselves. Work was found at the harbour with the ships, on surrounding farms, and as stagecoach drivers. One new resident, John “Daddy” Hall, became the town crier, ringing his bell to make public announcements throughout the entire community. Much of the development of this area could be traced to the work of those who traveled the Underground Railroad to freedom. This day of discovery for students takes you to the Old Durham Road Black Pioneer Cemetery and the permanent Underground Railroad exhibition at the new Grey Roots Heritage Centre with side trips to the Owen Sound Marine and Rail Museum another site featuring Canada’s air ace, Billy Bishop.*

*due to the seasonal nature of some of the member sites of the African Canadian Heritage Network, the structure and contents of this package are subject to site availability

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