International Memorial to the Underground Railroad

"It’s a very good spot to visit at Detroit Downtown and you are able to see the view of Ontario, Canada which is located over Detroit."

"A sculpture on the Detroit side bank of the Detroit River. The Gateway to Freedom International Memorial to the Underground Railroad Ed Dwight – Sculptor Dedicated October 20, 2001 With companion work “Tower of Freedom” in the Civic Esplanade Windsor, Ontario, Canada A project of Detroit 300 and the International Underground Railroad Monument Collaborative. Until Emancipation, Detroit and the Detroit River community served as the gateway to freedom for thousands of African American people escaping enslavement. Detroit was one of the largest terminals of the Underground Railroad, a network of abolitionists aiding enslaved people seeking freedom. Detroit’s Underground Railroad code name was Midnight. At first, Michigan was a destination for freedom seekers, but Canada became a safer sanctuary after slavery was abolished there in 1834. With the passage of the Fugitive Slave Act in 1850, many runaways left their homes in Detroit and crossed the river to Canada to remain free. Some returned after Emancipation in 1863. The successful operation of Detroit’s Underground Railroad was due to the effort and cooperation of diverse groups of people, including people of African descent, Whites, and North American Indians. This legacy of Freedom is a vital part of Detroit and its history."

"When I saw these statues I thought it was showing the American Dream but when I read in depth it was not that. Until Emancipation, Detroit and the Detroit River community served as the gateway to freedom for thousands of African American people escaping enslavement. Detroit was one of the largest terminals of the Underground Railroad, a network of abolitionists aiding enslaved people seeking freedom. Why was Detroit so important to the Underground Railroad? Detroit was a pivotal part of the Underground Railroad, an informal network of safe houses and people willing to help runaway enslaved people. They adapted the language of the railroads to keep it secret. Detroit. The last stop along the Underground Railroad in Michigan before freedom seekers made it to Canada was Detroit. Over 50,000 people traveled through Detroit, or “midnight” as it was referred to in the mid 1800s. As such, there are many “stations” and historic sites to check out in Detroit. The Underground Railroad was an early 1800s to 1865 secret network of financial, spiritual, and material aid for formerly enslaved people on their path from plantations in the American South to freedom in Canada. Freedom seekers generally made their way on foot, often at night, from one town to the next. The next time you visit this place just think through the whole scenario of dark ages and you will understand the importance of these statues."

"Really nice statues and memorials. My daughter was very impressed that she could look at Canada."

"Looking to Canada across the Detroit River. Great park to wander and start the day. Along with the archway to freedom and Joe Louis Fist there are many great lessons of history to learn here."