Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park

The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park was established in 2014 to protect and interpret landscapes that were significant in Harriet Tubman’s life, including places associated with her early life in slavery and her escape in 1849, as well as rescues of her family and friends. 

In 1845, a fugitive slave from Maryland named Sam approached the Corbit-Sharp House begging for refuge. Due to the encounter between Sam and Daniel Corbit, an agent of the Underground Railroad, the Corbit-Sharp House is designated as part of the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway.

Harriet Tubman Byway Driving Tour

By driving the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway, you will experience the sites and stories of Harriet Tubman’s life, the inhumanity of slavery, the desperation of escape, and the danger of assisting runaways.

Explore

Follow in Harriet Tubman’s footsteps as she escaped in 1849 and traveled from Maryland’s Eastern Shore through Delaware to reach her freedom in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Explore authentic escape missions and discover how hundreds of men and women risked everything to pursue their freedom. Chesapeake landscapes – extensive waterways, marshes, and woodlands – both helped and hindered Tubman and other freedom seekers. 

Harriet Tubman 

Harriet Tubman was a famous Underground Railroad conductor. Born Araminta Ross in Dorchester County, Maryland, she spent her early years in slavery, serving several masters in Bucktown and Madison. After escaping, she made 13 trips back to the Eastern Shore and rescued at least 70 family members and friends from slavery. 

The Underground Railroad

The Underground Railroad was a secret network of courageous people throughout the United States who broke the law to offer transportation, refuge, food, and comfort to escaping slaves during the 1700s and early 1800s. It was named symbolically after the new steam trains and used terms such as “passengers,” “depots,” and “conductors.” 

Enhance Your Experience with an Audio Guide

This dramatic, multi-track Audio Guide brings to life stories of slavery and escape, cruelty and compassion. Soundtracks include dramatizations, storytelling, and commentary by experts, historians, and local community members.

Download the companion audio guide or free smartphone app for your tour from www.harriettubmanbyway.org/audio-guides, or access the free smartphone app by searching “Harriet Tubman Byway” in the Apple App Store or Google Play.

CDs are available at the Dorchester Visitor Center, Caroline Visitor Center, and Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center.

You will hear escape stories from the experiences of Harriet Tubman, her family and friends, Underground Railroad operatives, and slave owners. 

Tubman Byway Markers

Look for the tall Tubman Byway Markers to find byway sites along your journey.