The Underground Railroad

and

York County, Pennsylvania

It was in York County, it is believed, where the term "Underground Railroad" originated. Slave owners in the pursuit of fugitives found that when they reached the Susquehanna River, the bondman disappeared as mysteriously as though "the ground had swallowed him up." In their perplexity, the pursuers exclaimed, "There must be an underground road somewhere." The expression struck the popular fancy and was incorporated into the literature of the day.

On page 594 of his book, The History of York County, Pennsylvania, George Prowell stated what he believed to be the legacy of York County relative to its role in the Underground Railroad. York County was a significant participant in the plight of runaway slaves as they struggled for freedom. It held a geographical and historical place of prominence in the story of the Underground Railroad.

York County is a border county. Its southern boundary is the Mason and Dixon Line. Escaping slaves before the Civil War often made their way north through York County. There were people who lived in the City of York and the outlying communities who were sympathetic to the flight of the fugitives. As it was illegal and dangerous to assist the escaping slaves, the names of those who assisted their journey were not well publicized.
 

 

William Goodridge House

  

 Elmwood Mansion

Griest/Kirk House

 Willis House
 

Buttonwood Tree House

Olde York Valley Inn

Wrightsville/Columbia Bridge

Mifflin House


Jessop Farm (9)

Click on the images to go directly to each site.

Student Contributions Page

Student Activities Page

William Goodridge Documents

Links

Bibliography

Monument Experiment

A Special Thanks to Dr. Tracey Weis, the York County Historical Society, the Crispus Attucks Center and numerous others for their help and patience in allowing the students an opportunity to grow through research.

The site is a collaborative effort by three Millersville University Graduate students of Dr. Tracey Weis.

This page was constructed by Jeff Mummert, Jay Vasellas, and Kevin Webster as a requirement for History 610: History and the Media.

The page was later enhanced by the students of EDW 562, including Steve Tracey and Lori Berger.

Page Maintained by Jeffrey S. Mummert

Any changes or additions mail to: jmummert@cysd.k12.pa.us
or tweis@marauder.millersville.edu