In recognizing the importance to Connecticut of numerous sites in the state that are associated with the heritage and movement towards freedom of its African American citizens, the Connecticut General Assembly in 1995 authorized that these locations be developed into a Freedom Trail.
Included on the trail are buildings reported to have been used on the Underground Railroad, sites associated with the Amistad case of 1839-1842, and gravesites, monuments, homes, and other structures that represent the concept of freedom so cherished in the American mind. It is hoped that those who visit some or all of the locations on the Freedom Trail will gain a greater appreciation for the experiences and contributions of Connecticut's African Americans.
For Connecticut Sites Visit:
www.ctfreedomtrail.ct.gov
UNDERGROUND RAILROAD
The North Star was a guide for runaway slaves leaving the South, but once
in the Underground Railroad system the participants were conducted byfoot, wagon, horse, or boat to a private house, barn, or church where they
would be hidden until it was possible to send them to the next northwardbound
location. This operation required the cooperation of free African
Americans, Native Americans, and whites. It also required secrecy since
free participants could be charged with breaking the law in helping slaves
escape their owners. This secrecy has made it difficult to document fully
what buildings in Connecticut were used in the Undergro
