The PA Main Line Of Public Works & The Underground Railroad

Join LancasterHistory as we welcome an esteemed panel of presenters to discuss abolitionists and activists throughout southern Pennsylvania who used actual railroads as part of the Underground Railroad activity that helped formerly enslaved people to escape to freedom. The Philadelphia & Columbia Railroad began operations in 1834 and shortly thereafter, anti-slavery activists began using the 80-mile route to assist men and women fleeing slavery. This panel discussion will highlight the stories of William Whipper, Stephen Smith, Thaddeus Stevens, and others throughout southern Pennsylvania. Among these stories is that of Whipper, Smith, and Quaker William Wright, all of Columbia in Lancaster County. These three men worked together to create secret compartments in the lumber hauling cars of Smith and Whipper, beginning in 1838 and continuing until at least 1855, to assist freedom seekers in their journey north. Today, the Philadelphia & Columbia Railroad is recognized by the National Park Service’s Network to Freedom as an actual railroad that was used as part of what became known as the Underground Railroad. Panelists for this event and discussion include Dr. Leroy Hopkins, Jr., Lenwood Sloan, and Dr. Barbara Zaborowski. This program is free and open to the public. In-person attendance requires advance registration in order to guarantee a seat. Due to capacity restrictions, tickets may not be available at the door. Registration will close online on Thursday, September 14 at 5:30pm. This event will not be streamed or recorded.