Cycling the Underground Railroad

Adventure Cycling's Underground Railroad Route (minus the Detroit Alternative)

The Walls Historic Site.  It seems to have been abandoned/neglected for some time, bit definitely has historic significance.  They would ring the Freedom Bell when new arrivals appeared. This old rail car used to be a museum, but is now closed and in disrepair. The Buxton settlement (also known as the Elgin settlement) thrived in the mid 19th century. The Buxton National Historic Site is in South Buxton.  It was closed when we arrived.  This school opened in 1851 to serve the Black residents of the Elgin Settlement, and operated for 100 years!   The Shelley Brothers adventure again! Starting out from Windsor,  Ontario with temps in the lower 40s F. The Tower of Freedom in Windsor, Ontario, Canada.  The now-free ex-slave raising his hands in praise and awe for reaching Canadian soil. New arrivals looking inland toward their new home.

Along some of our route this morning we saw these signs.  I never saw any Underground Railroad signposts (except once on the Little Miami Trailnear Milford, OH) in the 2,000 miles I cycled on it in the United States! Our morning  "adventure." The detour took us on several miles of gravel roads, which we managed to navigate successfully.  Harvest season in Ontario! The highlight of our day.  An excellent exhibit, including a short video, interpretive displays, outstanding guided tour and restored 19th century buildings. The Dawn settlement (now the town of Dresden, Ontario) was founded by Josiah Henson for the purpose of educating and training those who escaped slavery in the U.S.  Ontario had outlawed slavery in 1793. Josiah Henson was the inspiration for Uncle Tom in Harriet Beecher Stowe's novel, Uncle Tom's Cabin (which was the most read book besides the Bible in the 1800s). Canada has recognized Henson as a significant person in its history.  "Uncle Tom...