46. William Still’s Last Residence

William Still’s Secret Journal

Pennsylvania became a haven for freedom seekers. Slavery was abolished in this state in 1780. While some self-liberators made their way north with little or no help, Harriet Tubman and other freedom seekers trekked from Wilmington, Delaware to connect with free black and Quaker communities in Chester and Delaware counties in southeast Pennsylvania. These people helped Tubman and others find their way to Philadelphia, where William Still of the Philadelphia Vigilance Committee provided shelter, food, clothing, transportation and money for passage north.

Still kept records in a journal about those he assisted, including their names, where they came from, condition, and methods of escape. Keeping these records was risky, but they helped separated family members locate one another. Still’s secret journal was published as The Underground Railroad in 1872.

When Tubman made her own escape to freedom in 1849, she settled in Philadelphia and worked as a domestic to earn money to support herself and her rescue missions. William Still supported her and documented her efforts to return to her homeland in Maryland to retrieve loved ones.

NOTE: This home is privately owned. An historic marker in front of the home briefly tells his story. Parking on this side street can be difficult to find. Do not block parked cars. It is best to walk the one mile from Independence Hall.