Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park
Maryland
Managed by National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Established 2013 as National Monument (NM), 2014 as National Historical Park (NHP)
480 acres NHP; 11,270 acres NM
Website: nps.gov/hatu
Overview
This relatively undeveloped section of Maryland’s Eastern Shore might still be recognizable to Harriet Tubman, who was born here as Araminta “Minty” Ross in 1822. After her own solo escape to Philadelphia using the Underground Railroad network in 1849, she returned thirteen times to conduct approximately 70 people north, as well as to provide detailed instructions that enabled another 70 to find freedom. During the Civil War, Tubman served as a Union spy and became the first woman to lead an armed U.S. military assault.
Highlights
Museum, Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, Bucktown Village Store
Must-Do Activity
Harriet Tubman lived a hard life, as described in the exhibits at Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park (museum opened in March 2017), managed in association with the National Park Service. Pick up a map at the museum, then make as many stops as you wish along the 125-mile long Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway, which offers a free downloadable audio guide. You will definitely be inspired by the story of this brave conductor on the Underground Railroad.
Best Trail
Near the museum at Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park, 28,000-acre Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge is a great place to see ospreys and overwintering birds. The Key Wallace loop trail is 2.7 miles long.
Instagram-worthy Photo
Bucktown Village Store has been restored to its 1800s appearance and is open to visitors. Harriet Tubman accomplished amazing feats despite suffering seizures throughout her life from a skull fracture suffered at the Bucktown Village Store during her youth (see the photo below for the full story).
Peak Season
Summer
Hours
https://www.nps.gov/hatu/planyourvisit/hours.htm
Fees
None, except at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, which is only $3 per vehicle and accepts America the Beautiful passes.
Road Conditions
All major roads are paved on the 125-mile long Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway and the driving route is well-maintained through Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge.
Camping
There are developed campgrounds at the northern end of Assateague Island National Seashore on Maryland’s Atlantic Coast.
Related Sites
Harriet Tubman National Historical Park (New York)
Frederick Douglass National Historic Site (District of Columbia)
Assateague Island National Seashore (Maryland-Virginia)
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge (Virginia)
First State National Historical Park (Delaware)
Nearest National Park
Explore More – Although part of its acreage became a National Historical Park, what portion is still considered Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Monument?
