On October 14, 2009, Lewiston debuted The Underground Railroad Monument, a small structure snuggled near the Niagara River. This statue honors the brave escapes of enslaved individuals chasing freedom, as well as the nearby townsfolk who dared to assist. The legendary Niagara River, a crucial route to Canada, is encapsulated within the monument's title. Dark humorist Margaret Goff Clark, author of 'Freedom Crossing' (read by over 19 million 4th and 5th graders), provided the inspiration for the monument's name.
But, the omission of Harriet Tubman sparked debate, leading to her statue being erected in Niagara Falls rather than Lewiston. However, Lewiston remains united in paying tribute to Josiah Tryon, a local 'station master' of the Underground Railroad, brought to life by reenactor Timothy Henderson. The monument portrays a family of runaway slaves, a Lewiston 'station master', and a fictional lead character. A rowboat is present, symbolizing the perilous journey of those seeking refuge.
Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata
Written by Leroy
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