Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway
The Choptank River was as entwined with the history of slavery and freedom on the Eastern Shore as any plantation. Slaves arrived by boat for auction and left the dock in the hands of a new owner. At wharves like this, black watermen played an important role in freedom's network, bringing news, passing gossip, and occasionally whispering advice about the prospects for escape.
A river crossing was always dangerous for fleeing slaves. Few could swim, and currents were strong. Bridges were tempting but usually tended. Dogs and slave catchers could corner escapees at the water's edge. Freedom seekers often improved plans to steal away by water.
After abolitionist Hugh Haziett's arrest for helping slaves escape, he was taken from Caroline County jail to trial down river in Cambridge, where and angry mob greeted his arrival.
RIGHT: Moses Viney used two fence posts for oars and rowed a stolen canoe to freedom. He successfully reached Schenectady, NY, where he worked for Union College and owned several buildings downtown.
| HM Number | HM1I57 |
|---|---|
| Series | This marker is part of the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway series |
| Tags | |
| Marker Condition | No reports yet |
| Date Added | Wednesday, December 3rd, 2014 at 9:03am PST -08:00 |
| UTM (WGS84 Datum) | 18S E 427182 N 4304727 |
|---|---|
| Decimal Degrees | 38.88840000, -75.83960000 |
| Degrees and Decimal Minutes | N 38° 53.304', W 75° 50.376' |
| Degrees, Minutes and Seconds | 38° 53' 18.24" N, 75° 50' 22.56" W |
| Driving Directions | Google Maps |
| Area Code(s) | 410, 443 |
| Closest Postal Address | At or near 10218-10224 River Landing Rd, Denton MD 21629, US |
| Alternative Maps | Google Maps, MapQuest, Bing Maps, Yahoo Maps, MSR Maps, OpenCycleMap, MyTopo Maps, OpenStreetMap |
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