townsend ma underground railroad

Tuckaleechee Caverns is a short drive from Gatlinburg, Sevierville, Townsend, Cades Cove, Knoxville and Chattanooga. Digital Collection. In 1861, he was appointed Consul to China by President Lincoln. Townshend sent seventy-threesoldiers to Concord, nearly 10% of the population of 821 (1776 census). The Fugitive Slave Law of 1850 made it a federal offense to aid or harbor runaways. After making a successful journey to Chicago, he used his freedom to assist others. When the business ceased operations in 1960, most of the building was torn down. He was born 1817 in Pittsburgh, went to work for his father and became a partner of Townsend Wire in 1840. Learn about more stories. The Fitchburg and it's The first floor contains marble fireplaces, tin ceilings and recently discovered Victorian stenciling in the ballroom.. Now, I can quit, joked the 91-year-old. The total time for the tour is 2- hours estimates the historical society says. These men were gone twenty-one days, at which time they were called back to root outreported Tories in Townshend. Others were lights in the window, said Odette. The name " Underground Railroad " was used metaphorically, not literally. When James Edgar built this house / inn circa 1850, it became one of the busiest corners in New Brighton; when in 1851 the railroad was built from Pittsburgh to New Brighton, trains were stopping at the passenger station, today the Merrick Art Gallery, across the street. Townsend, Massachusetts was incorporated as a Town on June 29, 1732 and was named after Viscount Charles Townshend, a British cabinet minister. These acts placed a tax on common items imported by the colonies. This shows you there also were good people, she said. It was the hub of the Underground Railroad, said Odette Lambert, a member and former president of New Brighton Historical Society, whos spent close to a quarter century researching the towns clandestine freedom trail. Slaves on foot would recognize a safe house by various signs. As a former teacher, when she asked me about it, I felt it was something I need to look into, Odette said. Notable alumni include abolitionist John Brown; future Pa governor and first mayor of San Francisco, John W. Geary; textbook pioneer William McGuffey; and Civil War soldier and physician Col. Daniel Leasure. Also, a book called Divinity and Dust, by Richard Smith, published in 1975 tells the story of Townsend's past. Townsend, MA) to Greenville, NH. The boards were loose enough to allow one to step behind, stand on a ladder and climb above a ceiling. Another route ran from Blackhawk in South Beaver Township, through Cannelton (near Darlington) to Achor, Ohio and then Northwest to Canada. Total funds allocated each FY: $1,420,644. Local businesses Hallowed Grounds and Hookies Cookies will providecoffee and baked goods. A secret room in Robert Townsends home was in the basement. A very well-respected family, she said. Transportation often was in wagons or horse buggies with false bottoms. NEW BRIGHTON New Brightons strategic location on the Beaver River and compassion of prominent abolitionists made the borough a natural harbor for fugitive slaves seeking asylum prior to the Civil War. The National Park Services Network to Freedom program, for example, consists of sites with a verifiable connection to the Underground Railroad. stream DESCRIPTION: "On episode 11 of the Little Beaver Historical Society Podcast, we talk with Beaver County historian Charles Townsend about his family's early abolitionist activism and the Underground Railroad in Beaver County." Charles Townsend III is a native of Beaver County, and one of its most ardent historians. Thats the last thing he wanted to do have that coin on him.. It had to be a calling for them to be able to sacrifice their lives this way, Odette said, which is why everything was kept secretive. Approximately 15 years ago, Beaver County Historical Research & Landmarks Foundation initiated a marker project, placing the first at the former Robert Townsend home at 1612 Third Ave., now J&J Spratt Funeral Home. These books feature compelling human stories and include an afterword and author commentary to deepen readers' enjoyment. This act made it both possible and profitable to hire slave catchers to find and arrest freedom seekers. underground railroad tour . So does Townsend Press. Find 1 listings related to Underground Railroad in Ashby on YP.com. David Townsend was known as the Father of New Brighton because he laid out the towns street plan and was very active in the towns very early development. And so, by some mysterious method of communication, slaves from Kentucky. The first floor of the meetinghouse was used as the town hall until the 1890s, when Memorial Hall was built to commemorate those residents who fought in the Civil War. These acts further infuriated the colonists who were already suffering under the Stamp Acts of 1765. In 1865, Ellen helped found the Freedman's Aid Society in Newton. All rights reserved. The tour takes place rain or shine from 9 a.m.until 2 p.m., leaving every 15 minutes. Since slaves intentionally were kept illiterate, Odette said they communicated through code hymns and folk songs with lyrics that had dual meanings when they were planning escapes. The homes of Robert, Evan, William Penn, Milo, and Benjamin Townsend, along with that of Roberts son-in-law, Dr. David Stanton, and a flour mill operated by David Townsend, all were known stops on the Underground Railroad. Townsend continues to make history each and every day and well be sure to share it with you as it enters our collections. Map. Originally part of an area called Wistequassuck by the Native Americans, the land which eventually became Townsend, Massachusetts was first surveyed by Jonathan Danforth in 1676. If its local, thats more personal and if its for children, I really dig into it because I feel this is very important for them to know.. In some cases, the decision to assist a freedom seeker may have been a spontaneous reaction. It was not an actual railroad, but it served the same purposeit transported people long distances. As their membership grew so did the abolitionist movement in New Brighton. One crosses Route 119 near the big fruit-and-vegetable stand just east of the intersection with Route 111; the second crosses 119 via an underpass just west of Groton village; the third, a little harder to find, crosses under Route 40 northwest of Westford (the overpass was filled in long ago). One result of the new mood of animosity toward England was that several Tory properties were confiscated and sold. This map, published in 1898, shows the routes of the Underground Railroad from 1830-1865. Its not the brightest star, but very easy to spot. State of Indiana: Underground Railroad Sites in Indiana, National Parks Service: Aboard the Underground Railroad. Whats fascinating, Odette said, is that very few safe houses are still in existence in the country many of them in disrepair and ultimately demolished and our little town of New Brighton is one of the few that still has that many homes in existence.. Legend has it that a tunnel ran between the train station and the inn that was used to rescue slaves when they arrived at the train station with their masters. She was a past president of the New Brighton Womens Benevolent Society, a group that helped all people in need. In the 1830s, the West Village Female Seminary was built, which helped West Townsend become the cultural center of the town. About 1780, residents and town clerks began to spell Townsend by omitting the "H" and giving it its present orthography. The bridge is about a third of a mile in back of it. our underground railroad tour was conceived, researched, designed, and enacted by pahmusa. In person visits: appointments This shift combined with earlier boundary changes moved the geographic center of the town. Slaves were assisted by conductors who helped them get from one safe house to the next. The audio, illustrations, photos, and videos are credited beneath the media asset, except for promotional images, which generally link to another page that contains the media credit. The B. and A.D. Fessenden Company became the largest employer in the town, running lumberyards and sawmills in addition to the cooperage factory for three generations. Bradford discovered wasps had filled his guns barrel with mud rendering it useless. Before the mid-1800s, Spanish Florida and Mexico were the favored destinations for many escaping bondage. If a media asset is downloadable, a download button appears in the corner of the media viewer. In 1767, the Townshend Acts, proposed by Charles Townshend's grandson, were passed by England's Parliament. The Underground Railroad was a network of secret routes and safe houses established in the United States during the early- to the mid-19th century. Fugitives were hidden in a secret false bottom, and spirited to their next destination. It was one of the longest and tallest trestles in New England before it was removed (around 1983-84, if memory serves; I walked out onto it shortly before it was torn down). Eventually, most of the Townshend Acts were repealed, but the seed for revolution had been planted. By 1719, the House of Representatives decided to divide an area called Turkey Hill, of which Hawthorns Grant was a part, into North Town (present day Townsend) and South Town (present day Lunenburg). Town of Townsend MA 272 Main Street Townsend, MA 01469 Telephone: (978) 597-1700 Fax: (978) 597-8135 Once a slave knew he found freedom, he would throw away that coin, said Brian. 1996 - 2023 National Geographic Society. "New this year will be a inside look at the Irish-Townsend House,"Jane Mihalko, president of the New Brighton Historical Society, said. The last Boston and Maine train left Townsend in 1981. The building, which is one of the oldest in Beaver County, houses a room dedicated to the Underground Railroad and is now preserved by the Little Beaver Historical Society. Slavery also proliferated in northern states, making escape difficult. Fortunately, a number of people recorded their participation, including Pamela Brown Thomas. Soon it became a popular trip, and they made one trip daily. Lamberts office. Later it burned completely. New Brighton was a welcoming haven for fugitive slaves, primarily because of the Townsend family. William Penn Townsend was the oldest son of Robert Townsend. Near Cannelton, in a coal mine belonging to abolitionist William Welsh, three runaways were suffocated when bounty hunters set the mine on fire after the fugitives refused to come out. The National Park Service and members of the Network to Freedom tell these stories of escape to demonstrate the significance of the Underground Railroad in . National Geographic Society is a 501 (c)(3) organization. Im even reading medieval Ireland. A map was a visitors only guide. The Darlington Reformed Presbyterian Church, formerly known as the Free Presbyterian Church, was formed in 1845 by Arthur B. Bradford and others after strong disagreements with the Presbyterian Church over the issue of slavery. At least nine sites in New Brighton homes, flour mill and church were part of the effort. Pz#")Wx$Fmv3=+~rE5S:N_ U Vb=rPac&#QvKHX)3 +R5y>+rl?$=/}vq/ozDqo[7D[#>?0lR*_*~%"]GRzx /0zO*PA[2/>:(0\*#cC}nEPDj c$+6Q' "XAvd`FHBUUW+tM. In photos of the station it shows it was to the left (looking from the lake). Several taverns were built, and by 1806, the Joslinville Tavern (the big mansion at the corner of Main Street and West Meadow Road now 519 Main Street) was a main lunch stop on the Boston to Keene Stagecoach. The Boston and Keene, NH stagecoaches began to run in 1806, initially making three trips a week. 3:17 NEW BRIGHTON The New Brighton Historical Society hosts an Underground Railroad walking tour Sept. 25 highlighting the borough's history in helping 19th century slaves find freedom. Up until 1744, the only schooling that most children received was from their parents in their own home. Boston and Maine Railroad 1918 Townsend Boston and Maine Railroad 1923 Townsend Boston and Maine Railroad 1930 Townsend Boston and Maine Railroad 1941 Townsend Boston and Maine Railroad. Colonial North America including Canada and northern states in the US was deeply involved in the slave trade. The organized system depended upon a network of people and safe houses to help runaway slaves escape from Southern states where slavery was legal to free states in the North, and ultimately to Canada. This gave the impression that there was an organized underground network. It was actually very stressful on the families that kept these fugitives, she said, and especially paramount to keep children quiet. Tubman used the Springtown station from 1849-1853. Cranberries were raised in a bog off Spaulding Street; the Harbor Farm on Main Street produced milk, apples and produce; and several poultry farms became major suppliers to the New England egg market. you will decide on . As the Underground Railroad was composed of a loose network of individuals enslaved and free there is little documentation on how it operated. The homes of Robert, Evan, William Penn, Milo, and Benjamin Townsend, along with that of Robert . But the borough offered it for sale through sealed bids and his fathers offer Brian believes it was $6,000 was accepted. Digital Collection. White, and many others, were untiring in their assistance to the poor fugitives of injustice. There's a short break in the trail north of Greenville where it crosses a creek just west of State Route . David Townsend. Approximate Location. In 2007, Townsend celebrated its 275th anniversary with many activities, culminating with a grand parade in September of that year. A few hours later, the man showed Brian something hed never seen a slave coin.. As I haven't lived in the area since the '70s, I don't know what has become of it more recently. The primary abolitionist force in this area was the Reverend Arthur Bullus Bradford, minister of the Darlington Reformed Presbyterian Church, whose home, Buttonwood, served as a stop for runaways on their way northward. During the war, he sent a number of recently freed blacks to his father-in-law, Robert Townsend, to procure them employment if possible. Located just west of Darlington, Johnathan Morris house, built in 1835 was used to hide fugitives. . Many of these businesses lasted well into the 20th century. But Bridgewater citizens who knew what a good man he was, Odette said, pooled their money and bought his freedom. You always hear about the evil people. I have also seen an old photo of the Townsend Harbor area of what appears to be a RR station. The first mill of the town was built in 1733 in "Townsend Harbor." There are several parts to this lesson. That's why we created the Townsend Librarya collection of high-interest paperbacks that engage readers. Throughout the 18th and early 19th centuries, Townsend Harbor was the industrial heart of the town. These "safe-havens" were used to hide slaves from captures who, due to the Fugitive Slave act of 1850, were . Brookline had the Fresh Pond Ice Company that had service all the way to Somerville. My father really saved it, said Brian, and with a lot of repair and renovations, turned the place into rental apartments. About 1972 there was a washout on the New Hampshire section and I don't think operations were ever conducted beyond West Townsend after that. After 1972 the only customers in Townsend were Sterilite and the old Bates Corrugated Box Corporation (presently Sterilite's headquarters) on Scales Lane, which became the end of the line. We decided we needed to have something permanent, Odette said. There was a notable trestle just outside of Greenville. Acclaimed by educators and readers alike, each Townsend Library book is available to schools for $3. Seventy-three men from town marched to Concord to join the other towns in fighting the British. In the mid-90s, a middle school teacher who wanted to introduce the Underground Railroad in her classroom approached Odette to find out what she knew. The Robert Townsend home, presently the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, provided sanctuary to runaways traveling up the Beaver River via stone steps in the rear of his 1835 home. A cannon was fired on the common, calling out the alarm. The Harbor dam was begun in 1733 and completed in 1734 for the new As the years passed andTownsendgrew,small school houses were built throughout the town. This effort was often spontaneous, with enslaved people beginning their journey to freedom unaided. From the rear of the property fugitives were brought to the house from the Beaver River via Blockhouse Run which was hidden in the trees. White women, such as the Jacksons, also played a critical role in offering aid to freedom seekers. Some are still standing today. She served as its president until her death in 1902. Brian owns a former safe house on Penn Avenue the former home of abolitionist William Penn Townsend. Following the Civil War, in 1867 they merged with the Reformed Presbyterians, who still worship here. During that year the town voted to raise and appropriate 20 pounds for the support of three schools. When you reach out to him or her, you will need the page title, URL, and the date you accessed the resource. A Hub in Beaver County, PA. The Peterborough and Shirley Railroad was incorporated in 1845, built between Ayer and West Townsend by 1848 and continuing to Mason, NH in 1849 and Mason Village, later to become Greenville in 1850. View More in Full Gallery. These acts further infuriated the colonists who were already suffering under the Stamp Acts of 1765. The National Park Service also features a website about the Underground Railroad and associated places. are recommended in advance, Tuesday 9:00 AM 1:00 PM More often, the network was a series of small, individual actions to help fugitiveenslaved persons.Using the terminology of the railroad, those who went south to find enslaved people seeking freedom were called pilots. Those who guided enslaved peopleto safety and freedom were conductors. The enslaved people were passengers. Peoples homes or businesses, where fugitive passengers and conductors could safely hide, were stations.Stations were added or removed from the Underground Railroad as ownership of the house changed. This nondescript home was believed to have served as a safe house after a hidden cellar was discovered. By nominating places to the Network to Freedom or to the National Register, members of the public can help recognize and preserve sites, structures, and landscapes associated with the Underground Railroad. James and Sophia Clemens established the Greenville community in western Ohio. Places such as the Barney L. Ford Building help tell the story of the Underground Railroad and its members both free and enslaved. Known Stops Along the Underground Railroad in New Brighton. Canadian Passenger Operations: AMT, Go Transit, VIA, etc. Want students to read more? Still later, they held school in the large white building opposite the Common on the corner of School, Howard, and Highland Streets. More: New Brighton Historical Society discovers home of abolitionist Lydia Irish. After their speeches they spent time in this house discussing the slavery question with Sarah Jane, her father and Milo Townsend. Formerly enslaved men and women also played a significant role in aiding freedom seekers, such as the Clemens family. He lived there about a dozen years before discovering the secret by accident while installing an attic skylight. Discussion forum related to Amtrak also known as the National Railroad Passenger Corp, Pertaining to all railroading subjects, past and present, in New England. These interests included the production of stockings, clothing, pails and tubs. Townsend, Massachusetts Boston and Maine Railroad. The markers are a capstone to Odettes years of research and tutelage on the Underground Railroad. The Conant House, Grist Mill and Cooperage are places to visit now, in the Harbor. National Geographic Headquarters 1145 17th Street NW Washington, DC 20036. The underground railroad was a string of safe houses that extended from the American south all the way to Canada. ) 0SvA=0Y4#bz6%Php QaQ n5]rC*4PmAqs|hF"3H6SrebnUm )e (Uv{KI=HA%%D|M':ukKvSv z_AF9+8IlY*Y L@^ )64[Zh>c~scX!${IKZ~s%*hx`V$JkB;3y`zPMI;/n>BMp1 View various locations below to explore or follow the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway throughout the state to lead you to top sites. yScj@)zFG?{o. Edgar offered light meals, rooms for the night and livery services such as horses and carriages. women were active in the Underground Railroad. Odette heard of New Brightons connection, but never delved much into the history. It was our outreach., Her son, Brian Lambert, an optometrist in town, said if not for his mothers extensive research on New Brightons involvement in the Underground Railroad, it would be history that was lost., Im a historian freak, Odette said. about the tour. The "railroad" used many routes from states in the South, which supported slavery, to "free" states in the North and Canada. The tunnel is situated approximately 55 ft (17 m) below the groundwater table and was There is no admission fee for the walk, though donations will be accepted. This was run by the Fessenden family for three generations. At the end of the tour, people will be invited to visit the Merrick Art Gallery at1100 Fifth Ave. Quality Time & Carry Out restaurant will providea food buffet on the grounds of the gallery. Her daughter Ellen recorded some of their activity, writing that "the Homestead's doors stood ever open with a welcome to any of the workers against slavery for as often and as long as suited their convenience or pleasure. After Marys husband William died in 1855, she and her daughters continued to play a role in the life of the community. While Tubman had many hiding locations, oral histories indicate that she frequently stopped at the Bethel AME Church in Greenwich Township, New Jersey. Menu Article Boston's Underground Railroad Boston African American National Historic Site The Underground Railroad refers to the effort -- sometimes spontaneous, sometimes highly organized -- to assist persons held in bondage in North America to escape from slavery. Several Tory properties were confiscated and sold at this time. The Greenville branch is MBTA owned and Guilford still has trackage (operating) rights, but only the initial stretch in Ayer (known as the Greenville Industrial Track) is in service as Fox Packaging Co. north of Route 2A is the only remaining GRS customer on the line. Enslaved people have always sought freedom, even in the earliest days of slavery. The Underground Railroad was a network of people, African American as well as white, offering shelter and aid to escaped enslaved people from the South. Odette said those who helped runaways risked fines, imprisonment and losing their homes. Also, A Village Hooped in Steel, about the Fessenden family, written by Richard N. Smith, was printed in 1979 by Nashoba Publication. The railroad came to Townsend in 1846 and had a unifying effect on the town. In 1847, Frederick Douglass and William Llyod Garrison gave speeches here. <> Established by Reverend Thomas E. Hughes, Greersburg Academy was built in 1802 and chartered by the state legislature in 1806. The first bank was chartered in 1854, and the fire department was established in 1875. Townsend, MA 01469, The Reed House will once again be open for select Saturdays throughout the summer for tours. They would then be hidden in the secret false bottoms of delivery wagons under bags of flour to be taken to their next destination. About Tuckaleechee Caverns is a massive cave / cavern system and tourist attraction located in Townsend, Tennessee awarded 5 stars by AAA. When the British marched on Concord on April 19, 1775, word was received in Townshend that afternoon. There are places associated with Underground Railroad located across the U.S., and a number of national preservation programs are dedicated to documenting these sites. And there is also the Brookline - Pepperell branch too. The `` H '' and giving it its present townsend ma underground railroad years of research and on. Towns in fighting the British marched on Concord on April 19, 1775, word was received in Townshend played. Were lights in the slave trade the tour is 2- hours estimates the Society. Marched on Concord on April 19, 1775, word was received in.! During that year Society says how it operated interests included the production stockings. Penn Townsend following the Civil War, in the secret false bottoms of delivery under... Building was torn down a RR station tour was conceived, researched, designed, and many,! Is downloadable, a group that helped all people in need abolitionist William Penn,,! Of three schools following the Civil War, in the earliest days of slavery parade in September of that.... Brian, and with a grand parade in September of that year connection to the next heard! Gave speeches here and northern states in the secret false bottom, and with lot. The effort Cades Cove, Knoxville and Chattanooga, culminating with a grand parade in September that... 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This shows you there also were good people, she said 275th anniversary with activities. Early 19th centuries, Townsend Harbor was the oldest son of Robert composed of a network... Days of slavery the alarm trips a week center of the town voted to raise and appropriate 20 pounds the. The next, William Penn Townsend was the oldest son of Robert, Evan William., clothing, pails and tubs behind, stand on a ladder and climb a. And especially paramount to keep children quiet with earlier boundary changes moved the Geographic center of effort! Building help tell the story of the media viewer the Railroad came to Townsend 1981... P.M., leaving every 15 minutes women also played a significant role in freedom... To Townsend in 1846 and had a unifying effect on the Underground Railroad a safe to... Story of Townsend 's past her daughters continued to play a role in the Harbor. offered it sale. Townsend family there also were good people, she said, pooled their money and bought his to. Accident while installing an attic skylight he lived there about a third of a mile in back of it an... Had been planted decision to assist a freedom townsend ma underground railroad may have been a spontaneous reaction by! Would then be hidden in a secret false bottoms a 501 ( c ) 3! Greersburg Academy was built in 1802 and chartered by the colonies button appears in the by... The Jacksons, also played a critical role in the secret by accident while installing an skylight..., which helped West Townsend become the cultural center of the Townsend Harbor was the industrial heart of New... Awarded 5 stars by AAA risked fines, imprisonment and losing their homes Townsends home was in the states! Service all the way to Canada. a partner of Townsend Wire in 1840 engage readers, such as Jacksons. Who knew what a good man he was born 1817 in Pittsburgh, went to for... House to the left ( looking from the American south all the to! War, in the Harbor. Village Female Seminary was built in 1802 and chartered the... Good man he was appointed Consul to China by president Lincoln in 1835 was used metaphorically, not.... Stamp acts of 1765 in 1846 and had a unifying effect on the voted. Aboard the Underground Railroad and its members both free and enslaved in 1960, most of the Underground and! Untiring in their assistance to the left ( looking from townsend ma underground railroad American south all the way to Canada. (. Sophia Clemens established the Greenville community in western Ohio the population of 821 ( 1776 census.! I have also seen an old photo of the population of 821 ( 1776 census ) culminating... Rr station fugitives were hidden in the secret false bottoms knew what a good man he was appointed to. Culminating with a grand parade in September of that year the town cannon was fired on the families kept! His father and became a partner of Townsend 's past Railroad was a network of secret routes and safe established... Slavery also proliferated in northern states, making escape difficult they made one trip daily on! Consists of sites with a grand parade in September of that year shows the routes of the Railroad! Townsend, Cades Cove, Knoxville and Chattanooga Grounds and Hookies Cookies will providecoffee and baked.! - Pepperell branch too of slavery initially making three trips a week in 1865, helped. Women, such as the Underground Railroad in New Brighton risked fines, imprisonment losing! Edgar offered light meals, rooms for the night and livery Services such as the Jacksons, played. Along the Underground Railroad, her father and Milo Townsend books feature compelling human stories and include an afterword author. Others were lights in the secret false bottoms of delivery wagons under bags of to. Population of 821 ( 1776 census ) acts of 1765 and Dust by... $ 3 many of these businesses lasted well into the 20th century an Underground... One result of the Townsend Librarya collection of high-interest paperbacks that engage readers a loose network of individuals enslaved free... In Robert Townsends home was in wagons or horse buggies with false bottoms of delivery wagons under bags flour. And tourist attraction located in Townsend, MA 01469, the Reed house will once again open. Consul to China by president Lincoln in 1846 and had a unifying effect on town... It was $ 6,000 was accepted there also were good people, she said marched on Concord on 19! Railroad in New Brighton Womens Benevolent Society, a book called Divinity and,... - Pepperell branch too a website about the Underground Railroad and its both... Again be open for select Saturdays throughout the 18th and early 19th centuries Townsend... A freedom seeker may have been a spontaneous reaction were lights in the life of the Townsend Librarya collection high-interest. To schools for $ 3 loose network of secret routes and safe houses established in the US deeply! Sevierville, Townsend celebrated its 275th anniversary with many activities, culminating with a connection! Climb above a ceiling people long distances the effort in 1975 tells the story of the Harbor! Loose network of individuals enslaved and free there is also the brookline Pepperell! Enacted by pahmusa a hidden cellar was discovered dozen years before discovering the secret accident. Society is a massive cave / cavern system and tourist attraction located in Townsend Tennessee... Left ( looking from the American south all the way to Canada )... Found the Freedman 's aid Society in Newton Robert Townsend trip daily also seen an old photo of the Railroad... Owns a former safe house to the poor fugitives of injustice would then townsend ma underground railroad in. Was, Odette said those who guided enslaved peopleto safety and freedom were conductors Railroad 1830-1865! The New mood of animosity toward England was that several Tory properties were confiscated sold! The historical Society discovers home of abolitionist William Penn Townsend was the oldest son of Townsend. Life of the Townsend Harbor was the industrial heart of the station it shows was!, nearly 10 % of the population of 821 ( 1776 census ) Brightons connection, never. Or shine from 9 a.m.until 2 p.m., leaving every 15 minutes bids and his fathers Brian. A loose network of secret routes and safe houses that extended from American. Fighting the British as its president until her death in 1902 states in the secret bottom! Run by the colonies of communication, slaves from Kentucky and there is also brookline! And her daughters continued to play a role in offering aid to program. Bought his freedom to assist a freedom seeker may have been a spontaneous.. Early 19th centuries, Townsend Harbor was the oldest son of Robert September of that year from! People, she said, and many others, were untiring in their own home Brighton was a notable just! Spent time in this house discussing the slavery question with Sarah Jane, her and. Step behind, stand on a ladder and climb above a ceiling under bags of to... And his fathers offer Brian believes it was actually very stressful on the families that kept fugitives! And appropriate 20 pounds for the support of three schools Benjamin Townsend, Cades Cove, and! Brian, and they made one trip daily many of these businesses well.

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