Underground Railroad FreeWalk: Philadelphia Firstival

Walking history tour of Underground Railroad and related sites in the city of Philadelphia

Start: Love Park, 16th and JFK, near Suburban Station

Finish: Love Park

Distance:7mi

Where to find us: near 16th and JFK

Optional endpoints: Many

Mini: 10K (6mi) loop back to Love Park

Terrain: paved

Transit: Septa to Suburban Station

Return: Septa Regional Rail

Parking: Love Park, Family Court Building, nearby garages

Difficulty: Beginner

Category: history, urban, theme

Coordinator: Charles Updike

Travel on foot as many Underground passengers did, learn about the history of the abolitionist movement in Philadelphia that helped to spawn the Underground Railroad, and the local routes moving people through the Philadelphia region, and finish with a visit to the African American Museum, admission not included, with special Philly250 events taking place, perhaps a late lunch stop for those interested, and return to the start.

Further details to come.

Highlights:

• Octavio Catto memorial
• Paschall Alley
• St Georges Church
• Arch Street Wharf
• Front and Market
• Anthony Benezet Home
• Lucretia Mott home
• Pennsylvania Hall
• Liberty Bell
• President’s house
• Washington Square
• Mother Bethel AME Church
• James Forten House
• William Still house
• W E B DuBois mural
• Frances Ellen Watkins Harper House
• African American Museum

Partners:

Circuit Trails is 800 miles of interconnected trails in Greater Philadelphia in the making, already one of America’s largest trail networks. Once connected, the Circuit Trails will be one of the nation’s premier urban trail networks and it will provide multiple benefits to neighborhoods, communities and the region as a whole.

More about FreeWalkers:

Our calendar of walks and hikes | About FreeWalkers | Walker stories | Walking tips

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