Freedom's Path

The Underground Railroad in Ithaca

Kami Cai, Cornell University Historic Preservation Planning, sc2823@cornell.edu

October 2, 2023

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.

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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.

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Oldest Underground Railroad Station in Central New York Home of Titus Brum

Prior to the establishment of St. James AME Church, the earliest documented Underground Railroad station in central New York dates back to 1824, situated at 76 S. Cayuga Street, which today would fall within the vicinity of 326 to 330 S. Cayuga Street. This early station used to be the residence of Francis Bloodgood. This property later changed hands and was acquired by a free black individual named Titus Brum.

Remarkably, this particular station may have been even more active than the church in aiding fugitive slaves, given its historical significance. Titus Brum, the owner, was father-in-law of George Johnson, Ithaca's most renowned Conductor of the Underground Railroad. George Johnson himself had escaped from slavery in Georgia and subsequently established a barber shop in the basement of the Ithaca Hotel, located at the intersection of Aurora and Owego Streets, now known as State Street.

George Johnson's reputation in the community was built on his unwavering dedication to assisting those seeking freedom. He is celebrated for his personal involvement in guiding a remarkable 114 fugitives to liberty through his courageous efforts within the Underground Railroad network (Calarco 1993).

Home of Thomas Jackson

Thomas Jackson, who was born into slavery in 1820, successfully escaped from Virginia in 1842 and eventually made his way to Ithaca by 1850. Shortly after his arrival, the enactment of the Fugitive Slave Law prompted him to temporarily relocate to Toronto. Upon his return to Ithaca, Jackson pursued various occupations, including gardening, farming, sawmilling, and general labor, all while residing at 11 Wheat Street, now known as 111 Cleveland Avenue. In 1860, he entered into matrimony with Mary Ann, who had also escaped slavery, this time from Maryland. She secured employment in Ithaca as a laundress (Ithaca Heritage n.d.).

Home of George A. Johnson (Demolished in 1898 (ca.))

George A. Johnson is widely celebrated in Ithaca for his prominent role in the Tompkins County chapter of the clandestine network known as the Underground Railroad. His life story is one of courage and dedication to the cause of freedom.

Born into freedom in Canandaigua, George A. Johnson relocated to Ithaca with his family and received training in the art of barbering from his father. It is believed that his skills as a barber played a crucial role in aiding fugitive slaves, as he may have used them to help disguise individuals seeking refuge as they made their escape to freedom. His legacy includes assisting at least 114 people in their quest for liberty.

George Johnson was not only active in providing physical assistance but also in mobilizing support. He worked tirelessly to gather funds and clothing from sympathetic supporters. One notable endeavor was his involvement in arranging transportation for former slaves on the Simeon DeWitt, a Cayuga Lake steamer captained by an individual sympathetic to the abolitionist cause.

The year 1868 marked a significant turning point in the United States with the ratification of the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution. This groundbreaking amendment guaranteed the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, providing equal protection under the law to all individuals born in the United States. Shortly thereafter, in February 1870, the Fifteenth Amendment was ratified, eliminating racial barriers to voting. In September of that same year, George Johnson made history by becoming the first African American juror in Tompkins County.

George Johnson's residence was located at 10 West Clinton Street during the 1870s, and later, he moved to 326 South Cayuga Street in Ithaca (White 2007).

Site of Alexander Murdock House

During the era of the Underground Railroad, this residence was the property of Alexander Murdock. Alexander was a devoted member of the abolitionist movement, and his family staunchly supported Abraham Lincoln and the anti-slavery cause.

Murdock became an active member of the Presbyterian church and, later, utilized the Underground Railroad to aid escaped slaves, often coordinating the transportation of essential supplies for the nearby colored school that he managed. From 1841 until President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation came into effect, he actively oversaw the operations of the Underground Railroad. Despite its inherent risks and occasional perilous situations, he expressed no regrets.

However, as time passed, the perils associated with operating the Underground Railroad began to catch up with Murdock. Tragically, these dangers culminated in the destruction of his residence. Alexander Murdock's house was set ablaze in retaliation for his unwavering support of the anti-slavery movement. Word had spread about his involvement in abolitionism and his pivotal role in the Underground Railroad, leading to this destructive act of vengeance by those who opposed his beliefs and actions (Stewart 2022).

Home of Henry Moore

Henry Moore was a barber who came on the Underground Railroad to Pennsylvania as a child or youth and later moved to Ithaca (The Ithaca Journal 1997).

Site of Esty's Tannery (Corner of South Tioga and East Green streets)

Esty's tannery held a crucial role as a significant sanctuary, providing a dependable location where those seeking freedom could reliably find assistance or secure safe employment. The Esty family, deeply engaged in both the local political landscape and charitable endeavors, earned a strong and esteemed reputation within the community (“The History Center in Tompkins County” n.d.).

Site of Merchants and Farmers Bank

Josiah B. Williams was the visionary behind the establishment of the Merchants' and Farmers' Bank, which thrived as a highly prosperous institution until its integration into the First National Bank of Ithaca. Williams, known for his expansive and inclusive perspective on humanity, joined forces with numerous patriotic individuals in 1856 to form the "National Compensation Emancipation Society," where he served as a vice president. The society's primary mission was to purchase and secure the freedom of enslaved individuals in the Southern states, using funds generated from the sale of public lands belonging to the United States (Selkreg 1894).

Brooks Pharmacy

A. and C. Whaley founded the Brooks Pharmacy in 1850. From around 1890 until 1978, the pharmacy operated under the name Gauntlett and Brooks on the first floor. Local lore has it that this historic building played a significant role as a safe house on the Underground Railroad. Notably, when the building was eventually demolished, a trench was discovered, lending credence to the legends of its clandestine past (“HistoryForge” n.d.).

Home of Benjamin Halsey

Benjamin Halsey was one of the noted local abolitionists and railroad stationmasters (The Ithaca Journal 1997).

113 E. Seneca St.

At 113 E. Seneca St., during a renovation project led by Dr. Harold P. Denniston, an intriguing discovery was made. They found that there was a secret stairway leading to an underground shelter unearthed the ground floor (The Ithaca Journal 1997). This remarkable find has led to speculation that this location may have served as a safe house during the Underground Railroad era, offering refuge and assistance to freedom seekers on their journey to liberty.

Home of Daniel Jackson

Daniel Jackson settled in Ithaca in the 1840s after escaping enslavement (Hayes 2017).

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.