Many escaped slaves made their way through Connecticut on their long, dangerous quest for freedom. The Underground Railroad provided a string of safe houses where these weary and frightened travelers could seek safe shelter on their long journey. Here are eight incredible places that served as stops along the Underground Railroad in Connecticut. Which parts of Connecticut history do you find the most interesting? Let us know.
Francis Gillette sheltered fugitive slaves on his property most likely in the outbuildings that are no longer standing. Gillette was an influential politician who served as the chairman of the Connecticut Board of Education and also as a U.S. Senator. In the early 1990s, this house was moved north from its original location. The home is a private residence and not open to the public, so please don't trespass.
Samuel and Catherine Deming were avid supporters of the abolitionist cause. With others, Samuel Deming arranged to bring Mende Africans of La Amistad to Farmington and supervised their stay. His wife, Catherine, joined efforts to raise money and get petitions signed to help the cause. Their home was a safe haven for escaped slaves who were traveling the Underground Railroad. The house is privately owned and not open to the public.
Elijah Lewis was a known abolitionist in the town of Farmington. His secret hiding place for travelers was at the base of the chimney. A large stone could be removed revealing a cavity big enough to hold a grown man. This home is privately owned and not open to the public.
The Washband Tavern operated for four generations and is reported to be a stop along the Underground Railroad. Hiding spots for slaves would have existed in the cellar of this bustling tavern. This home is privately owned and not open to the public.
Darius H. Randall lived in this home during the Civil War and served in the Union Army. He was appalled by the treatment of African-American troops and transferred into U.S. Colored Troop Regiment and where he served as a 2nd Lieutenant. His beliefs lend credence to the local lore that places the house on the Underground Railroad. The probable hiding spot was a root cellar accessible by a trap door through the kitchen. This home is privately owned and not open to the public.
The Lyman family publicly declared their hatred for slavery in an 1850 edition of Sentinel and Witness newspaper. Their involvement with the Underground Railroad was publicly known, unlike many of the others who (understandably) helped with the movement from the shadows. The beautiful Lyman Homestead is now an event venue open for tours, parties, weddings, and more.
Legend has it that the old Hart Porter's homestead, which was built in the 1840s, was a stop on the Underground Railroad. The small outbuilding has a full basement that can only be accessed by a trap door and is thought to be where the escaped slaves were hidden. This home is privately owned and not open to the public.
Uriel Tuttle was the president of the Litchfield County Anti-Slavery Society and the Connecticut Anti-Slavery Society. A letter found after his death recognizes his efforts to help fugitive slaves by giving them refuge, money, and transport to the next stop. This home is privately owned and not open to the public.
The Connecticut Freedom Trail was established to document sites that embody the struggle of African-Americans to obtain equality. The Connecticut Freedom Trail includes other possible stops on the Underground Railroad, you can view all of the sites on FreedomTrail.org.
Are you intrigued with Connecticut’s history? Did you know about these stops along the Underground Railroad in Connecticut? Our state is loaded with historic sites and there is one wonderful historic town in CT that has more than 150 pre-Civil War homes!
If you just can’t get enough of our state’s amazing history, be sure to also check out some of the best historic towns in Connecticut, like Wethersfield, which has more historic buildings than anywhere else in the state.
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Underground Railroad In Connecticut
Tori Jane|December 23, 2022
What were some "stops" along the Underground Railroad in Connecticut?
There were numerous stops along the long, dangerous trek to freedom on the Underground Railroad in Connecticut. Some of the most famous homes that are known for having assisted in the fight for freedom are:
The Asa Seymour Curtis House
The Elijah Lewis House
The Francis Gillette House
The Isaiah Tuttle House
2. What are some other interesting historic places in Connecticut?
The interesting historic places in CT certainly don't end with a small handful of homes that helped along the way to freedom via the Underground Railroad. Other historic places in Connecticut of note include places such as:
Wethersfield, which has more historic buildings than any other town
3. Do any of the Underground Railroad stops in CT offer tours?
Although many of the historic homes that were once instrumental in the fight for freedom are now privately owned, there are a few that do still offer tours to the public. Some of these historic places and homes include:
