The Underground Railroad Sites in Western New York and Canada Pt. 2

The last article in this series described places where fugitive slaves traveled for freedom in Canada. Thousands of slaves settled in Canada during the 1850s. A colony of around 200 Blacks lived near Fort Erie. After fugitives from the South passed through the Underground Railroad in Western New York and fled to Canada, they were free. There were numerous opportunities for freedom and justice. Census records from 1850 estimate that around 40,000 fugitives had arrived in Canada. In Canada, Blacks were allowed to send their children to common schools or have their own separate schools.

Dr. S. G. Howe, who was part of the committee that surveyed the conditions of Blacks in Canada in the 1850s, also noted that a surprisingly large number of Blacks could read and write. All Blacks who set foot on Canadian soil were free forever, with a status comparable to Whites. In addition, they were allowed to vote, have their own churches, and were not segregated on steamers and coaches. They could also attend their own schools.

There were instances where fugitive slaves were pursued by their former slaveowners who tried to recover their runaway slaves. However, there were cases where they were defended by the courts in Canada.

Many of the fugitives who escaped to Canada via the Underground Railroad eventually returned to the United States to reunite with their families and friends left behind. Others chose to remain permanently in Canada due to the opportunities, freedom, and justice. One of the greatest Black hockey players in the world came from Canada, specifically from Nova Scotia. They were trained in some of the Black churches in Canada and passed through Western New York in search of freedom. Their story is told in a book called Black Ice.

The famous Underground Railroad conductor, Harriet Tubman, passed through Western New York on many occasions and once lived in St. Catharines, Ontario. Her home is located in Auburn, New York. This columnist had the honor of visiting her home on several occasions with one of my grandchildren. I would like to encourage my readers to learn more about the Blacks who lived in Canada and made history!