Harriet Tubman and St. Catharines:
A Historic Connection to the Underground Railroad
Harriet Tubman, one of the most iconic figures in American history, is celebrated for her incredible bravery and tireless efforts as a conductor on the Underground Railroad. Born into slavery in Maryland in the early 1820s, Tubman escaped to freedom in 1849. However, rather than settling into a peaceful life in the North, she returned to the South numerous times, guiding hundreds of enslaved individuals to freedom through a network of secret routes and safe houses known as the Underground Railroad. Her connection to St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada, is a significant chapter in both her life and the history of the Underground Railroad.
The Underground Railroad was neither underground nor a railroad but rather a vast network of abolitionists, free African Americans, and sympathetic white allies who aided enslaved individuals in their journey to freedom. The “railroad” stretched from the southern United States to the northern free states and into Canada, where slavery had been abolished in 1834. Canada, with its promise of freedom and safety, became a beacon of hope for those fleeing the horrors of slavery.
St. Catharines, a small city in Ontario, played a crucial role in this network. Located near the U.S.-Canada border, it was a key terminus on the Underground Railroad. By the mid-19th century, St. Catharines had become home to a large and vibrant African Canadian community, many of whom were formerly enslaved people who had made the perilous journey to freedom. The city offered them not only a safe haven but also opportunities to build new lives, free from the fear of being captured and returned to slavery.
Harriet Tubman arrived in St. Catharines in December 1851 with a group of 11 escaped slaves. She chose St. Catharines as her base of operations due to its large African Canadian population and its reputation as a safe place for freedom seekers. Tubman lived in St. Catharines for nearly a decade, from 1851 to 1861, and it was here that she planned and executed many of her rescue missions back into the United States.
During her time in St. Catharines, Tubman attended the British Methodist Episcopal (BME) Church, also known as Salem Chapel. This church was more than just a place of worship; it was a community hub where the local African Canadian population gathered to support one another and discuss abolitionist activities. The church remains a significant historical site today, recognized as a National Historic Site of Canada for its association with Tubman and the Underground Railroad.
Harriet Tubman’s legacy in St. Catharines is still honored and celebrated today. The city remains a symbol of freedom and resilience, representing the culmination of the long and dangerous journey that so many enslaved individuals undertook. The British Methodist Episcopal Church, where Tubman worshipped, is now a museum dedicated to her memory and the history of the Underground Railroad. Visitors can learn about Tubman’s life, her role in the Underground Railroad, and the broader history of African Canadians in the region.
In 2019, the Harriet Tubman Public School was opened in St. Catharines, further cementing her legacy in the community. The school serves as a reminder of Tubman’s courage and the vital role St. Catharines played in the struggle for freedom.
Harriet Tubman’s connection to St. Catharines is a testament to the power of courage, community, and the relentless pursuit of freedom. Her time in the city underscores the importance of St. Catharines as a sanctuary for those who escaped slavery and as a critical part of the Underground Railroad. Today, the legacy of Tubman and the freedom seekers who found refuge in St. Catharines continues to inspire and educate future generations about the enduring fight for justice and equality.
Source: https://www.tvo.org/article/why-harriet-tubman-made-st-catharines-her-home
