Take an emotional ride on the Underground Railroad and experience some of the most poignant stops, with three right here in Chatham-Kent. Considered the destination for freedom seekers, this region was home to some of the most successful Black settlements in Canadian history.

Today, Buxton National Historic Site & Museum, Uncle Tom’s Cabin Historic Site, and the Chatham-Kent BlackHistorical Society all serve as windows into the past, allowing visitors to touch, feel, see, and hear the stories of those who took heroic journeys, following the North Star to freedom in Chatham-Kent.

A Guide to Chatham-Kent’s Underground

Railroad

Getting here:

VisitCK.ca1.800.561.6125

To Plan Your Route

Chatham-Kent is located on the beautiful shores of Lakes Erie and St. Clair and is a short drive from five U.S. border crossings.

Chatham-Kent is accessible by car from Windsor and Detroit via the ON-401-E, Toronto, Kitchener-Waterloo and London via ON-401-W and Sarnia and Port Huron via ON-40-S.

@VisitCK@VisitChathamKent

In association with

Follow the North Star

The Uncle Tom’s Cabin Historic Site celebrates the accomplishments of Josiah Henson through interpretive videos, exhibits, artifacts and tours reflecting the Black experience in Canada. The five-acre site includes the Josiah Henson Interpretive Centre, a restored period church, a saw mill, two cemeteries, the Harris House and the original Henson dwelling, commonly referred to as Uncle Tom’s Cabin.

Location: 29251 Uncle Tom’s Road, Dresden, Ontario519.683.2978www.uncletomscabin.org

Buxton National Historical Site & Museum

The Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society

Uncle Tom’s Cabin Historic Site Nearby sites in Windsor-Essex

Amherstburg Freedom Museum

The John Freeman Walls Historic Site & Underground Railroad Museum

Sandwich First Baptist Church

Presenting exhibits that share the stories of the Underground Railroad and the compassion and solidarity it took to make this network possible. Site includes the Nazrey A.M.E. Church, National Historic Site and stop on the Underground Railroad and the Taylor Log Cabin furnished 19th century home of a former slave.

Location:277 King Street, Amherstburg, OntarioPhone: 519.736.5433 or 1.800.713.6336www.amherstubrgfreedom.org

Meet descendants of the Underground Railroad as guides take you on an interactive trip back in time. The focal point of the visit is a log cabin built in 1846 by escaped slave John Freeman Walls and his wife Jane King Walls, who rest in the cemetery on the property. Call in advance to schedule a tour.

Location:859 Puce Road, Lakeshore, Ontario519.727.6555www.undergroundrailroadmuseum.org

Visit the oldest active Black church in Canada, handmade with Detroit River clay by fugitive slaves who had escaped through the Underground Railroad as well as free Blacks already residing in Ontario.Call in advance to schedule a tour.

Location:3652 Peter Street, Windsor, Ontario519.252.4917www.sandwichbaptistchurch.ca

The Elgin Settlement founded by Reverend William King in 1849 was the largest Black settlement and also classified as the most successful of the planned settlements in Ontario. The museum has many original artifacts including shackles, 1850 log cabin and 1861 school. The museum is fortunate to be supported and staffed by people who have an ancestral tie with the community.

Location: 21975 A.D. Shadd Road, CR 6, North Buxton, Ontario519.352.4799www.buxtonmuseum.com

The Black Mecca Museum includes a collection of local artifacts and serves to provide visitors with a history of Chatham’s Black comminuty after escaping slavery, including both the achievements and stuggles they faced. It also includes a collection of research materials, genealogical information and compilations of general research which are available by appointment.

Location: 177 King Street East, Chatham Ontario 519.352.3565 www.ckbhs.org

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