Freedom's Path
The Underground Railroad in Ithaca
The story of the Underground Railroad is a tale of courage and resilience, a network that defied both the odds and the law to usher enslaved African Americans toward freedom.
The term "Underground Railroad" denotes the collective efforts of enslaved African Americans to secure their freedom by escaping from bondage (“Network to Freedom (U.S. National Park Service)” n.d.). Contrary to its name, it was not a subterranean system or a railway but rather an informal network of escape routes that originated in the Upper South, crisscrossed through the Northern states, and ultimately led to Canada. This network also encompassed routes extending from the Deep South into the western territories, Mexico, and the Caribbean (Gable, n.d.).
Individuals seeking freedom are commonly referred to as "freedom seekers" or fugitive slaves. They set forth alone or in small groups, and their hearts filled with the burning desire for liberty. Their path to freedom was treacherous, fraught with danger at every turn.
They received support from both African American and European American "agents" who, at great personal risk, opened their homes or barns as "safe houses" or "stations" along the escape route. These brave souls took on the roles of "conductors," guiding and transporting freedom seekers toward the next step of their journey (Ibid.).
It is essential to note that assisting fugitive slaves was a crime, especially after the enactment of Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 that imposed harsher fines and penalties. Paradoxically, this legislation led to an increase in the number of individuals assisting the Underground Railroad, but it also prompted these operations to become more clandestine in an effort to avoid prosecution under its provisions (Ibid.).
Now, let's fast forward to the heart of Ithaca, New York. Amidst its historic streets, we find St. James AME Zion Church, a living testament to the Underground Railroad's legacy.
St. James AME Zion Church, an enduring symbol of Ithaca's rich history, stands proudly as one of the city's oldest places of worship. Notably, it holds the distinction of being among the earliest AME Zion churches established in the United States (“Aboard the Underground Railroad-- St. James AME Zion Church” n.d.). This church was established in 1833 by the African-American neighborhood of Ithaca. Reverend Henry Johnson was the inaugural pastor (Ibid.). From 1833 to 1836, meetings of church held at the home of Rev. Johnson (“St. James AME Zion Church 175th Anniversary” 2008).
This church, a remarkable two-story structure topped by a distinctive tower, was constructed in 1836 on Wheat Street, which was later renamed Cleveland Avenue. This historic church served as a vital Underground Railroad station and is situated in a community that held significant importance as a transit point for fugitive slaves en route to Canada. Many of these escaped slaves, profoundly touched by the support they received from the local community, decided to make Ithaca their permanent home, constructing residences in the surrounding vicinity of St. James (Ibid.).
The church's congregation wholeheartedly embraced the cause of anti-slavery, with their pastors, including notable figures like Thomas James, actively promoting abolitionist beliefs. St. James also holds a significant place in the annals of the Underground Railroad, with luminaries such as Harriet Tubman (figure on the right) and Frederick Douglass making frequent visits during its heyday (Ibid.).
As the 20th century unfolded, St. James AME Zion Church continued to be a dynamic force in Ithaca. In a momentous event of 1906, within the church's very basement, seven African American Cornell University students, reacting to the exclusionary practices of all-white fraternities, founded Alpha Phi Alpha, the nation's oldest official black fraternity (Ibid.).
Today, St. James remains a vibrant spiritual and social epicenter in the heart of Ithaca's southside. It continues to weave itself into the fabric of the local community, its enduring presence a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the pursuit of justice and equality.
What makes this moment even more compelling is the ongoing archaeological excavation project at St. James AME Church . This initiative has brought the community together in a profound way, sparking conversations that delve deep into the rich tapestry of Black history in Ithaca.
As we celebrate the enduring legacy of St. James AME Zion Church, let's turn our attention to a pivotal aspect of Ithaca's history—the safe houses that served as beacons of hope on the Underground Railroad. These sanctuaries, shrouded in secrecy, played a vital role in the journey to freedom. Join us as we unveil these hushed chapters of history and the courageous individuals who risked it all to help those in search of liberty.
Following is the list of houses that may have served as safe houses.
Hope you have enjoyed this tour of the remarkable safe houses that played an integral role in Ithaca's Underground Railroad network. Within these unassuming structures, you can feel the indomitable human spirit and the extraordinary courage of those who risked everything to champion the cause of freedom. These ordinary buildings, hidden treasures in their own right, silently bore witness to the trials and triumphs of those seeking liberty. They stood as beacons of hope in a time of adversity, offering solace and safety to fugitive slaves on their arduous journey to emancipation. Thank you for your participation in this journey through Ithaca's Underground Railroad history, which included a focus on St. James AME Zion Church and the significant safe houses that played a vital role. May these stories continue to inspire and remind us of the enduring pursuit of freedom and equality.
Related Readings and Resources
The St. James AME Zion Church 3D Virtual Tour
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