Author Archives: admin

“Forgotten Black Hero of Philadelphia”

Posted on March 24, 2010 by admin

Temple University professor Dr. Andy Waskie has posted a useful profile of Octavius V. Catto, an  ardent advocate for equal rights for blacks in Philadelphia during and after the Civil War. Catto was also instrumental in recruiting some of the … Continue reading →

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Spirit of Independence – Civil War Trails (Zion Hill Cemetery)

Posted on March 22, 2010 by admin

Follow the Civil War Trails and learn about the 180,000 African Americans who served and fought for their freedom. Watch this video by clicking here. (Courtesy of Pennsylvania’s Quest for Freedom)

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Spirit of Independence – Bethel AME Church

Posted on March 22, 2010 by admin

Founded in 1817, Bethel AME Church served as a station on the Underground Railroad. Experience the power of faith, music and living history as slaves tell the story of their fight for freedom. Watch this video by clicking here. (Courtesy … Continue reading →

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William C. Goodridge – Businessman & Abolitionist

Posted on March 22, 2010 by admin

William Goodridge, born into slavery, achieved freedom, business success and was a prominent figure in the Underground Railroad. Address: 123 E. Philadelphia St. YORK, PA, 17401 (Courtesy of Pennsylvania Civil War Trails)

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Caledonia Furnace UGRR Historical Marker

Posted on March 22, 2010 by admin

Dedicated 5/11/1996, this city marker reads, “Erected in 1837 by Thaddeus Stevens and James D. Paxton. Stevens’ antislavery stand led to its destruction by Gen. Jubal Early, June 26, 1863, on his way to York during the early Gettysburg campaign.” … Continue reading →

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Burning the Wrightsville Bridge

Posted on March 22, 2010 by admin

After invading Pennsylvania and capturing York, Confederates planned to take Harrisburg and possibly Philadelphia. To get there they had to cross the Susquehanna River at Wrightsville. Pennsylvania militiamen from Columbia, on the Lancaster County side of the river, vowed to … Continue reading →

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Lincoln Cemetery

Posted on March 22, 2010 by admin

In 1867, the Sons of Good Will created the Lincoln Cemetery to ensure the proper burial of Gettysburg’s African American citizens and Civil War veterans. Address: GETTYSBURG, PA, 17325 (Courtesy of Pennsylvania Civil War Trails)

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Stephen Smith – Businessman, Minister, & Abolitionist

Posted on March 22, 2010 by admin

This former indentured servant became a prominent businessman, minister and leader in the abolitionist movement. Address: 222 S. 5th St LANCASTER, PA, 17512 (Courtesy of Pennsylvania Civil War Trails)

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Frederick Douglass and John Brown Historical Marker

Posted on March 22, 2010 by admin

Dedicated 8/21/1994, this roadside marker reads, “The two abolitionists met at a stone quarry here, Aug. 19-21, 1859, and discussed Brown’s plans to raid the federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry. He urged Douglass to join an armed demonstration against slavery. … Continue reading →

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Thomas Morris Chester

Posted on March 22, 2010 by admin

One of Harrisburg’s most famous African Americans, a leader in education, journalism, military recruitment, diplomacy and the practice of law. Chester also served as a recruiter and helped usher Pennsylvania Black men into the 54th and 55th Massachusetts Regiments. Address: … Continue reading →

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