Explore PA

SPIRIT OF INDEPENDENCE:
I-76 QUEST FOR FREEDOM

Itinerary

MOTHER BETHEL A.M.E. CHURCH
The Underground Railroad in Philadelphia was a strong force. With countless transportation routes, agents, conductors and stations, the city served as a pivotal point in the network. At the heart of Philadelphia’s Underground Railroad was Mother Bethel AME Church. Founded in 1793 by Richard Allen, a former slave himself, it was the first African Methodist Episcopal church in the world. Mother Bethel soon became a safe haven and harbored many runways in their search for freedom. During the Civil War, famed abolitionist Frederick Douglass stood at the church’s pulpit and issued a call to arms to the African community.

WILLIAM GOODRIDGE HOUSE
The Quest for Freedom continues west to the nearby town of York. Here, visitors can tour the home of William Goodridge, one of the area's most active Underground Railroad stationmasters. A prominent African American businessman, Goodridge built the tallest building of its time in York City, and often hosted anti-slavery meetings with noted abolitionists.

LAUREL HILL STATE PARK
After their stop in York, Janelle, Kiwanni and Kai are back on the Turnpike heading west towards Pittsburgh. After a couple of hours, it’s time to make a pit stop just outside of Somerset to stretch their legs and get some fresh air at Laurel Hill State Park. Between 1935 and 1941 the Civilian Conservation built roads, trails, bridges and recreational facilities at the park.

BRIER HILL FARM
Deb Neely’s a llama lover through and through! After retirement, she was looking for something to keep her busy and get her outdoors. So Deb combined her love of nature and wildlife and decided to bring a little llama to her life. That’s how Brier Hill llama treks were born!

BLAIRSVILLE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD WALKING TOUR
Western Pennsylvania was also a major thoroughfare for freedom seekers. The small town of Blairsville was an important stop on the Underground Railroad as fugitive slaves moved north through Indiana County. Free African Lewis Johnston, and prominent businessman John Graff were active conductors, moving freedom seekers north toward Canada.

HEINZ HISTORY CENTER
Pennsylvania’s network to freedom stretched as far west as Pittsburgh. You can learn more about the area’s Underground Railroad history at the Heinz History Center.

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