Broderick Park in Buffalo, New York is very significant in this history of African Americans within the country. The location is one that holds specific importance because it was the site of where African Americans held as slaves escaped into Canada. Today, this park is a testament of the will and determination that these people had. Visitors are welcome to visit the park any time to see and relive the experience.
During the middle of the 1850's, many black slaves found themselves using the Underground Railroad to escape from their captors. This system of locations that was never communicated to anyone but those helping within the system, was a series of safe locations that slaves could travel to until they would reach Canada, and therefore become free. Broderick Park was the end of the line for many. It was positioned at the Foot of Ferry in Buffalo, right at the point where the Niagara River flows. Those that would get to Broderick Park were literally a small distance from crossing into Canada.
The slaves had other locations within the Buffalo area that could be used as safe locations. One of those is the Michigan Street Baptist Church. It held many fleeing slaves hide within its basement in the hopes of leaving. Also, Murphy's Orchard is another Underground Railroad location. Here, slaves hid in a secret room located underneath the barn. From these locations they would reach Broderick Park and flee into Canada.
Visitors should consider the Road to Freedom: An Underground Railroad Tour that is offered by the Buffalo Niagara Visitor Center.
