Commemorate MLK’s Birthday and Black History Month by staying where slaves found freedom.
AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 9, 2008 — Americans celebrate the accomplishments of African-Americans with Martin Luther King’s birthday in January and Black History Month in February. In recognition, BedandBreakfast.com (http://BedandBreakfast.com) describes B&Bs that were once "stations" on the Underground Railroad. Relive history at these historic BedandBreakfast.com B&Bs, listed below, alphabetically by state. For a complete list of B&Bs with ties to the Underground Railroad, visit the BedandBreakfast.com Press Room at http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/about/pressRoom.aspx.
Amelia Island Williams House, Fernandina Beach, FL: This mansion includes a trap door in the dining room closet, offering access to a secret room where slaves could hide.Inn at Aberdeen, Valparaiso, IN: The renovation of this 18th century home revealed a ladder beneath the old closet floor, leading the owners to believe that the house served as a way station for the Underground Railroad.
Hall Place B&B, Glasgow, KY: A network of caves accessible through this B&B eventually surfaces at a nearby spring. Judge Christopher Tompkins, who taught Abraham Lincoln and was an Underground Railroad supporter, built the B&B. His will provided for his slaves for the rest of their lives.
Samuel Fitch House, Westford, MA: A basement tunnel believed to be part of the slaves’ route on the Underground Railroad can still be toured by guests. A removable wall in one bedroom is where slaves hid next to the warmth of the house’s chimney.
Cambridge House B&B, Cambridge, MD: From here, visit the Harriet Tubman Museum, the Bazzel Methodist Church where her family worshipped, the Stanley Institute — a 19th-century African-American schoolhouse — and follow the Underground Railroad trails through Dorchester and Caroline counties.
Inn by the Mill, Saint Johnsville, NY: The inn is comprised of 19th century buildings, including a stone grist mill with three secret rooms below the basement floor. Each night, the water to the 30-foot waterwheel was shut off, allowing slaves to pass safely through the water tunnel.
Six Acres B&B, Cincinnati, OH: Many Quaker families and others in the community hid and conducted freedom seekers toward Canada. Noted abolitionist and Underground Railroad participant Zebulon Strong built this home in the 1850s.
Tattersall Inn, Pt. Pleasant, PA: An underground room once used as a stop on the Underground Railroad was found in the original part of this circa 1753 building.
Golden Stage Inn, Proctorsville, VT: Under the ownership of Universalist preacher and slavery sympathizer Rev. Warren Skinner, the inn was a stop on the Underground Railroad for fleeing slaves making their way to Canada.
BedandBreakfast.com (http://BedandBreakfast.com) is the leading online B&B directory and reservation network, listing over 6,600 B&Bs and inns worldwide. A variety of search functions and maps enable inngoers to find the perfect B&B. Travelers can make reservations online, purchase The Getaway Gift Card(TM) welcomed at nearly 4,000 bed & breakfast inns in the U.S. and Canada, subscribe to free newsletters, and post questions on message boards.
CONTACT:
Marti Mayne, 207-846-6331, Marti.Mayne@BedandBreakfast.com
Sandy Soule, 203-637-7642, Sandy.Soule@BedandBreakfast.com
