Utica Underground Railroad and Abolition Self Guided Walking Tour,

98 Genesee Street, Utica, NY 13502

Discover History: Utica Underground Railroad and Abolition Self-Guided Walking Tour

Embark on a journey through time with the Utica Underground Railroad and Abolition Self-Guided Walking Tour, a captivating exploration of Utica's rich history in the fight for freedom and equality. Located at 98 Genesee Street, Utica, New York, this newly unveiled tour offers a unique opportunity to delve into the stories of courage and resilience that shaped the abolitionist movement in Oneida County.

Presented by the Oneida County Freedom Trail Commission, this one-mile walking tour features five significant stops, each marked by informative signs that illuminate the area's pivotal role in the Underground Railroad. Among these sites is the historic Hayden Building, where, in 1836, two men who had escaped from slavery were heroically rescued by local Black residents. Another highlight is Mechanics Hall, a venue that once hosted powerful speeches by Frederick Douglass and stirring abolitionist songs by the Hutchinson family.

The Oneida County Freedom Trail Commission, established in 2001, has been dedicated to researching and preserving the region's Underground Railroad sites. This tour is part of their ongoing efforts to educate the public and celebrate the contributions of local abolitionists like Rev. Beriah Green and Alvan Stewart. Through their advocacy and leadership, these individuals helped ignite the abolitionist movement in Oneida County, beginning in 1833.

Mary Hayes Gordon, co-chair of the Commission, emphasizes the importance of sharing these lesser-known stories to foster a deeper understanding of our nation's history. The tour was made possible through the generous support of the Oneida County and Oneida Indian Nation Partners in Prosperity Grant, along with the City of Utica.

Join us on this self-guided walking tour to honor the legacy of those who fought tirelessly for freedom and justice. For more information or to share your own stories, please contact [email protected]. Discover the past and be inspired by the enduring spirit of those who paved the way for a more equitable society.