The Underground Railroad Heritage Center of Niagara Falls
By Eric Perry
The Cataract Hotel (photo from Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center)
The Underground Railroad is a significant piece of American history that stretches across the United States. It is a story of courage, determination, and hope for those seeking freedom from the horrors of slavery. Today, visitors can experience this powerful history by exploring the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center in Niagara Falls, New York.
Formally known as The Cataract Hotel, this museum stands as a symbol of the journey that many slaves took to reach freedom. The museum is located in the spot where slaves would often escape from the South to come to Niagara Falls to visit their owners. From there, they would make their way over the Niagara River to Canada, where they could finally be free.
But the journey to freedom was not easy. Slaves would come to Niagara Falls with the hope of finding work and saving enough money to start their own businesses. These brave individuals would then use their resources to help others seek freedom. As you walk through the museum, you can almost feel the heavy yet inspired emotions of those who walked this same path many years ago.
One of the most remarkable parts of the museum is that it is also the site of the Cataract Hotel, where the waiters were not only employed as servants, but also served as double agents in the underground railroad. These courageous men would wait tables and help move slaves across the Niagara River at night. About 80% of the waiters at this hotel, such as John Morrison, played a vital role in aiding slaves on their journey to freedom.
The museum also features Freedom Park, a significant point along the underground railroad where many slaves found solace and support as they crossed the Niagara River. Here, visitors can learn about the brave individuals who risked their lives to help others. As you stand in the same place where renowned freedom fighter, Harriet Tubman once stood, looking out the window, you can almost feel the tension, fear, and ultimate joy of knowing freedom was just a few steps away.
Although the 13th Amendment that was passed by Congress in 1865 brought an end to the underground railroad, the stories and history live on through places like this museum. As I stand here with my camera in hand, I am reminded of just how far our country has come and how much we owe to the brave individuals who fought for freedom.
My conversation with Mr. Saladin Allah, Director of Community Service was very insightful. When asked, “Why does this museum stand out here?” He responded, “We wanted to make sure that we tell the authentic story of the Underground Railroad by black people for black people. Although we had allied assistance, this was a resistance movement centered on the voices and legacy of people of African descent.”
So, if you ever find yourself in Niagara Falls, be sure to visit the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center and take a step back in time to experience this remarkable journey to freedom.
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