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Here is some background information you need to know before we tour Columbia. In 1780 Pennsylvania passed the Gradual Abolition Act that terminated the use of slavery. Children of slaves born after 1780 would be free after 28 years of indenturement. By 1818 the first free blacks are shown on local tax lists as property owners. The two most famous free black property owners in Columbia are Steven Smith and William Whipper.
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Here are some comments from students who have been on this field trip in previous years.
Outline
Websites
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Columbia was also home to some famous free black women. Among the women who rose to prominence are Hanna Bosley, Amanda Berry Smith, Jarena Lee and Harriet Baker.
Columbia's Women
Click on the link to see photos of Columbia's free black women.
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There are four buildings we will visit on our tour of Columbia. All three have some significance to the development of Columbia as an important trading port and the UGRR.
Mt. Zion
Mount Zion A.M.E. Church
Old Mt. Zion
Mount Zion Church School
Wright Mansion
Wright Mansion
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Free Black Settlements in Canada
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Columbia was a very safe place for runaway slaves on the trip north because of the high population of free blacks. Since Columbia was also a busy river port it was easy for runaways to hide in the community and find passage to the next city. Columbia was a major intersection of rail, wagon and water travel, so escaping slaves and their conductors could use any mode of travel that was safe.
Census Link
Use the link to track the population of free blacks in Lancaster.
Slave Destinations
This link will show you where African slaves were trade and sold.
UGRR Routes
Discover the routes used by runaways to escape to Canada by clicking this link.
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