York was home to one of the most active Underground Railroad stationmasters, William C. Goodridge. A prominent African-American businessman in York, Goodridge built the tallest building of its time in York City, and often hosted anti-slavery meetings with noted abolitionists.
Today his home still stands as evidence to the drive and ambition necessary for a Black man in his time to build the kind of wealth and standing that Goodridge possessed in the York community, but also as a testament to the extreme humanity he exhibited through selfless acts as he risked his own life to guide escaping slaves to freedom. A large open-air outdoor mural also depicts the life of this great man who was so instrumental in the abolitionist movement.
In addition to the rich history connected to the Quest for Freedom, York provides a number of unique museums and historic sites, including a replica of the Colonial Courthouse, where the Continental Congress met to ratify the Articles of Confederation during their nine-month stay in the region.
York County is centrally located in the heart of Pennsylvania's number one tourist region. Just a short drive from other popular destinations, including Lancaster
,
Gettysburg, and Hershey!
For more information, contact the York County Convention & Visitors Bureau
- Phone: 717-852-9675 ext. 110
- Email: laura@yorkpa.org
Round out your trip with a visit to Harrisburg.
Related destinations:
-
William C. Goodridge Freedom House and Underground Railroad Museum
123 East Philadelphia Street
York, PA
Visit the home of William C. Goodridge, one of the area's most active Underground Railroad stationmasters. A prominent African-American businessman in York, Goodridge built the tallest building of its time in York City, and often hosted anti-slavery meetings with noted abolitionists.
Goodridge worked in a variety of fields during his life, but the one most connected with the Quest for Freedom involved Goodridge's work with the railroad industry — the Goodridge Reliance Line comprised 13 railroad cars serving 20 Pennsylvania communities. Goodridge used his rail cars to transport escaping slaves along the Underground Railroad.
Goodridge also hid fugitive slaves inside his house, in a secret room at the back of his basement, and in a straw lined trench located under a building at the back of his house.
Today his home still stands as evidence to the drive and ambition necessary for a Black man in his time to build the kind of wealth and standing that Goodridge possessed in the York community, but also as a testament to the extreme humanity he exhibited through selfless acts as he risked his own life to guide escaping slaves to freedom.
William Goodridge Mural
West Market Street (Between South Penn & Newberry Streets)
York, PAThis larger than life outdoor mural pays tribute to William Goodridge, one of the most prominent stationmasters on the Underground Railroad. A prominent African-American businessman in York, Goodridge was a leader in the abolitionist effort and the struggle to guide escaping slaves to freedom along the Underground Railroad.
One of more than 20 outdoor open-air murals throughout the city depicting the rich history and heritage of the York area, the mural is a worthwhile stop on it's own, or as part of the larger murals tour available through the York County Heritage Trust.
Nearby Attractions
From motorcycles to potato chips York County, Pennsylvania, also known as the Factory Tour Capital of the World is host to more than 20 of America's favorite products. Companies like Harley-Davidson, Martin's Potato Chips, Wolfgang Candy, and many others open their doors and invite visitors to get a behind-the-scenes look at how some of their favorite products are made.
