Burial Place of Thomas Garrett

The first Meeting House on this site was built in 1738. It was replaced in 1748 when a larger building was constructed. The old Meeting House was then converted into a school. Known as Wilmington Friends School, it was relocated to a new facility in 1937, and is the oldest existing school in the state. The present Meeting House was built in 1816.
Wilmington was the last major stop on the East Coast overland route of the Underground Railroad. One of the central figures of this clandestine network was Thomas Garrett, a Wilmington resident and member of this Meeting, who was known as the "Stationmaster of the Underground Railroad." Found guilty of violating the Fugitive Slave Law in 1848, he was forced to sell his possessions to pay his fine. Many were purchased and returned to him by members of the Meeting and other supporters. Garrett is credited with helping more than 2,700 slaves escape to freedom. His last public appearance was as presiding officer of a suffrage meeting, continuing his dedication to the still held Quaker tenets of Simplicity, Equality, and Peace. Following his death in 1871, he was laid to rest in the adjoining burial ground.

Sorry, but we don't have a picture of this historical marker yet. If you have a picture, please share it with us. It's simple to do. 1) Become a member. 2) Adopt this historical marker listing. 3) Upload the picture.

Show me all markers in:  Wilmington, DE  |  New Castle County  |  19801  |  Delaware  |  United States of America

John Dickinson
Meeting House 1816
Thomas Garrett
Willingtown Square
Old Town Hall
Grand Lodge of Delaware A.F.&A.M.
Old Farmers Bank
Lincoln's Speech
"Sign of the Ship" Tavern
Delaware's Jewish Community

• GPX
• KML
• LOC

Have you seen this marker? If so, check in and tell us about it.