Underground Railroad and
Freedom Routes

The National Road, one of the first major highways in the United States, played a crucial role in the journey to freedom for many enslaved people. Escaping from southern states, including Maryland, freedom seekers often traveled along this route to reach safe havens like Uniontown, Pennsylvania. Its accessibility and connection to key abolitionist communities made the National Road an essential path on the Underground Railroad.

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Numerous individuals have shared accounts of enslaved people using the National Road as part of their journey to freedom. One of the most well-known testimonies comes from Howard Wallace, who describes how escapees received assistance from residents living along the route, including a list of local "conductors" on the Underground Railroad. Among those he names are Curry and John Payne of Uniontown. Wallace also notes that some locals were willing to capture runaway slaves in exchange for payment. The following is an excerpt from Wallace’s account.

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"When they When they left Brownsville in company with Lloyd Demas and others, they would generally go up river to where the Diamond Coal Works are now situated, thence up through Denbo, at which time was a dense forest, but there piloted by the old pioneers, until they reached the Old National Pike coming out between C.I. Dorsey's residence and Malden, thence up the Pike to where the gate now stands on the farm, owned by William Pepper, thence to Pike Run Road, then across the field to William Wallace's the house now occupied by Lewis Deems. It was considered about the best stopping place on the route"​  nps.gov/fone/learn/historyculture/the-african-american-experience.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com. para. 15-16.

 

Uniontown was a key sanctuary on the Underground Railroad, known for its size and significant Black population, which made it a natural refuge for escaped slaves seeking freedom. The town was home to several Underground Railroad stations, including the well-known Baker's Alley, where freedom seekers found shelter, food, and guidance on their journey north.
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Baker’s Alley in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, was a significant station on the Underground Railroad, providing refuge and assistance to enslaved individuals escaping to freedom. Located off the National Road, the alley was home to a house where freedom seekers were hidden under floorboards, shielded from slave catchers. Today, a historical marker at 325 E Main Street commemorates this site, noting its role in aiding those fleeing the South. Additionally, an outdoor mural at the East End United Community Center on Coolspring Street depicts scenes from Baker’s Alley, highlighting its importance in the local history of the Underground Railroad.

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Turkey’s Nest, located on the western slope of Chestnut Ridge in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, was a significant stop on the Underground Railroad, providing refuge to enslaved individuals seeking freedom. This concealed location offered a safe haven for freedom seekers, aiding them on their journey northward. The area's natural terrain, with its dense forests and rugged slopes, provided ideal cover for those escaping slavery. While specific details about Turkey’s Nest are limited, its inclusion in local Underground Railroad networks underscores the critical role Fayette County played in the abolitionist movement. 

 

​James Wesley AME Zion Church in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, is highlighted as being significantly involved in the Underground Railroad.  It has been suggested that the church served as a station on the Underground Railroad, offering refuge and assistance to enslaved individuals seeking freedom. The presence of a tunnel beneath the church, often cited in local lore, is a subject of debate; some historians believe it was used to conceal freedom seekers, while others consider it a later addition with no direct link to Underground Railroad activities. Harriet Tubman personally may have passed through this church as well. Regardless, the church's role in providing sanctuary and support to those escaping slavery underscores its importance in the abolitionist movement in Uniontown.

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Baxter's Ridge, located in Springhill Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania, was a significant station on the Underground Railroad during the 19th century. Named after Henry Baxter, a former Virginia slave owner who freed his enslaved people upon moving to Pennsylvania, the station provided refuge for freedom seekers escaping slavery.  The efforts of individuals like Baxter and the local community were crucial in aiding enslaved individuals on their journey to freedom. Additional routes in the county extended southward, connecting with key locations in West Virginia such as Morgantown, Fairmont, and Clarksburg.

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Nemacolin Castle, also known as Bowman's Castle, is a historic mansion located in Brownsville, Pennsylvania. Originally constructed in 1789 by Jacob Bowman as a modest trading post, it evolved into a grand Victorian-style mansion over the years. The castle is renowned for its connections to the Underground Railroad, serving as a refuge for enslaved individuals seeking freedom in the North. Jacob Bowman, an ardent abolitionist, provided shelter and assistance to freedom seekers during the Civil War era. The mansion features 22 rooms, including concealed spaces and secret passages, which facilitated the hiding of runaway slaves. 

 

North from Uniontown, established routes extended to Pittsburgh and other important stops like Mount Pleasant and Jeannette, forming a vital network of support across South Western Pennsylvania.  A total of 24 Underground Railroad stations operated across Fayette, Greene, Washington, and Westmoreland counties, highlighting the region's vital role in the fight for freedom.

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The Underground Railroad offered enslaved individuals a lifeline to freedom through a secret network of safe houses, trusted conductors, and hidden routes. In many cases, these networks were rooted in strong religious communities that provided both moral and practical support to those seeking liberation. The operations in Fayette County  stand as powerful examples of the bravery and compassion of those who risked their lives to fight against slavery and uphold human dignity.

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