The 2019 movie "Harriet" chronicles the story of Harriet Tubman (portrayed by Tony- and Grammy-winner Cynthia Eviro) and African-American abolitionist William Still (Leslie Odom Jr., "Hamilton"), as they collaborated with Delaware's Thomas Garrett to aid escaping slaves on a Underground Railroad network that ran right through Delaware.
Today, you can follow the story along the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway, visiting landmarks that once were the final stops before freedom in the north.
Blackbird State Forest
Harriet Tubman said "Blackbird" was a key landscape on the trail through Delaware. Today, it's 40 miles of trails take you through 6,000 acres of forest, offering a glimpse of what her journey would have looked like. Learn More.
The Corbit-Sharp House
This 1774 mansion - one of the finest pre-Revolutionary homes in Delaware - was home to an abolitionist Quaker family who gave shelter to an escaping slave on at least one known occasion. The Historic Houses of Odessa offer tours. Learn More.
New Castle Court House Museum
The court where stationmasters Thomas Garrett and John Hunn were convicted of violating the Fugitive Slave Act, for aiding the successful 1845 escape of the Hawkins family from slavery in Maryland. It is now part of the First State National Historic Park. Learn More.
Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park
This park on the Christina River sits at a key Underground Railroad crossing point into Wilmington. A statue of Tubman and Thomas Garrett, "Unwavering Courage in the Pursuit of Freedom," was unveiled her in 2012. Learn More.
Center for African American Heritage
at the Delaware History Museum
At different times, the Old Town Hall that's part of the museum held both abolitionist meetings in its courtroom and escaping slaves in its jail cells. The "Journey to Freedom" exhibition presents the story of African Americans' struggle for human rights and dignity in Delaware and the nation. Learn More.
Wilmington Friends Meeting House
The Quaker meeting house where Thomas Garret was married, attended services, and was buried after his death in 1871. Learn More.
If you would like to learn more about Harriet Tubman and explore the history she has left behind we recommend the itinerary "Delaware's Underground Railroad" as a planning tool as well as the resources of the National Parks Services.
Planning Tools
