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UNDERGROUND RAILROAD TOUR





It's a long journey from the deep south to this region called the North Country.  And the journey was longer, harder, if you were a fugitive slave traveling along the underground railroad.

The U.S.-Canadian border forms the northern boundary of New York State, invisibly cutting through many miles of wilderness, except at those spots where reminders have been erected.  Our corner of the state has always been a predominately rural area, houses and farms dotting the country landscape, towns far apart when you consider simpler modes of transportation, especially long ago when horsepower was only measured by the number of horses pulling your wagon.  That's why this region had vital stations during the days of the underground railroad, about 1830-1860.  It was a vast area to cover, one with a good number of potential hiding places.

Recently I was invited to grab my cameras and take a tour of a few historical sites with the North Country Underground Railroad Historical Association.  The tour went from Malone to Fort Covington to points between and nearby.

For more information on the NCUGRHA, write to P.O. Box 2413, Plattsburgh, NY  12901 or email NCUGRHA@aol.com .
 
 

These three images were taken inside 
the basement of the
First Congregational Church in Malone.
 


 
 
 


 

One can only imagine what the fugitive slaves 
had to endure on their journey
to freedom, especially hiding inside
tight spaces, dark tunnels,
daring not to a make a sound.
 


 
 
 


 

The next set was taken at the Dimick farmhouse.
In the first image local historian/tour guide Peter Kivic
talks about the secret area behind the wall
in a second story room.


 
 

This is the hideaway as seen
from the other side of the wall.


 
 

Another hideaway
in the basement of the farmhouse.


 
 


 
 

Images taken near the border crossing
station at Fort Covington, NY.
This marker indicates one spot along
the usually invisible boundary line 
dividing the U.S. and Canada.
By passing this point,
fugitives on the underground railroad
were free at last.
 


 
 


 
 


 

Members of 
The North Country Underground Railroad 
Historical Association --

Living room in the 
Major John Dimick home.