2019-11-07 00:54:44
Christina Riverfront 40 Rosa Parks Drive Wilmington, DE 19801 302-425-4890 www.riverfrontwilm.com
The park honors two of Delaware’s most dedicated agents of the Underground Railroad, Harriet Tubman and Thomas Garrett. Born a Quaker in Pennsylvania in 1789, Garrett helped an estimated 2,700 enslaved people escape to freedom over four decades.
By the time Harriet Tubman escaped slavery in 1849, Garrett had been exposed as an Underground Railroad agent when he was caught helping the Hawkins family escape in 1845. Though financially ruined, he continued to help freedom seekers. Garrett’s surviving correspondence reveals how he and Tubman collaborated on numerous occasions during the 1850s.
The park overlooks the Market Street crossing of the Christina River, the main southern entry into Wilmington during the 19th century. Tubman and her charges were once trapped on the south side of the river by the constables and slave catchers on the lookout for them. Garrett sent a false-bottomed wagon, driven by African-American bricklayers, who concealed the group beneath a load of bricks. They successfully passed over the bridge and by authorities unnoticed.
Walk or bike the one-mile Christina Riverwalk for sweeping views of the river and see exhibits on Wilmington history.
Next Site
To Delaware History Museum: Head southeast on Rosa Parks Drive, and turn left onto French Street at the Amtrak station. Proceed to 2nd Street and turn left. Turn right at Market Street. The museum will be on the right.
Previous Site
To New Castle Court House Museum: Head northwest on Rosa Parks Drive. At the light, turn left onto US 13 S. Turn left at Rogers Road, and bear right to merge onto DE 9 S. Stay in the left lane approaching New Castle, and go straight at the stop sign to remain on DE Route 9/W 6th Street. Turn left on Delaware Street. The Museum will be on the left.
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