Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Scenic Byway | Baltimore

The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Scenic Byway is a 125-mile historic route that follows the life, legacy, and courageous efforts of Harriet Tubman, one of the most iconic figures in American history and a leading conductor on the Underground Railroad. This byway winds through Maryland’s Eastern Shore, parts of Delaware, and extends toward Philadelphia, offering travelers an immersive experience of the landscapes, towns, and landmarks central to Tubman’s story and the broader struggle for freedom.

Route Overview

The byway begins primarily around Cambridge, Maryland, in Dorchester County, Tubman’s birthplace and childhood home. It then stretches through rural farmland, small towns, marshlands, and waterways that Harriet Tubman herself would have traversed during her escapes and missions to guide enslaved people to freedom. The route extends northward, connecting to additional historical sites beyond Maryland, including locations in Delaware and Pennsylvania, which were integral to the Underground Railroad network.

Historical Significance

Harriet Tubman was born into slavery in Dorchester County around 1822. After escaping slavery herself in 1849, she made multiple daring trips back to Maryland, guiding hundreds of enslaved people along secret routes to freedom. The byway traces the physical geography that shaped her life and work, including safe houses, churches, forests, rivers, and farms that served as stations on the Underground Railroad.

This route not only commemorates Tubman’s bravery and leadership but also provides insight into the broader history of slavery, resistance, and abolition in the United States. It highlights the resilience of African American communities and their fight for liberty.

Key Sites Along the Byway

Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park and Visitor Center (Church Creek, MD):
This 17,000-acre state park preserves the natural landscapes critical to Tubman’s early life and escape. The visitor center offers exhibits on her life, the Underground Railroad, and local history, with guided tours, interpretive trails, and educational programs.

Tubman Museum & Educational Center (Cambridge, MD):
Dedicated to preserving and sharing Harriet Tubman’s story and the history of the Underground Railroad. The center hosts exhibitions, educational events, and community programs.

Dorchester County Visitor Center (Cambridge, MD):
Serves as an orientation point for visitors, providing maps, guides, and information about the byway and related historic sites.

Bucktown Village Store:
A historic general store that serves as a reminder of 19th-century rural life and commerce.

Churches and Historic Homes:
Several churches and homes along the byway served as safe havens or gathering points for abolitionists and freedom seekers.

Wilderness and Waterways:
The route passes through marshes, forests, and along waterways like the Choptank and Nanticoke Rivers, all critical geographic features in Tubman’s journeys.

Natural and Cultural Landscape

The byway showcases the Eastern Shore’s unique environment: tidal wetlands, farmland, forests, and small coastal communities. This landscape played a vital role in the Underground Railroad’s secrecy and success, providing cover and routes for escape.

The cultural heritage of the region is deeply intertwined with African American history, slavery, and abolitionist movements. Visitors gain an understanding of how geography, culture, and courage converged to support freedom efforts.

Visitor Experience and Activities

Driving Tour: The byway is designed as a self-guided driving tour with clearly marked signage and numerous stops for exploration.

Educational Programs: Various sites offer guided tours, lectures, and living history demonstrations to deepen visitors’ knowledge.

Hiking and Nature Walks: The state park and other locations provide trails through the natural landscape, allowing visitors to experience the environment Tubman navigated.

Museums and Exhibits: Interactive exhibits at visitor centers and museums provide detailed historical context and personal stories.

Community Events: Annual celebrations, commemorations, and cultural events take place to honor Tubman’s legacy.

Practical Information

Starting Point: Cambridge, Maryland, is the primary gateway to the byway, offering visitor services such as accommodations, dining, and information centers.

Accessibility: Due to the rural nature of the route, traveling by car is recommended. Public transportation is limited in this region.

Distance: The full route covers about 125 miles, with plenty of opportunities to explore individual sites in depth.

Visitor Centers: Multiple visitor centers provide maps, brochures, and guides to help plan visits.

Nearest Major City

Baltimore, Maryland, located approximately 80 miles west of Cambridge, is the nearest large city offering extensive visitor amenities, including airports, hotels, restaurants, and cultural institutions. Baltimore serves as a convenient base for those planning to explore the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Scenic Byway.

Summary

The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Scenic Byway is a profoundly meaningful route that offers an in-depth exploration of Harriet Tubman’s life and the broader struggle for freedom in America. It combines historic sites, natural landscapes, and cultural heritage to provide visitors with a rich educational and emotional journey through one of the most important chapters in U.S. history. This scenic byway not only honors Tubman’s courage and leadership but also invites reflection on themes of resilience, justice, and liberation.