The Underground Railroad: A Pathway to Freedom in the Lumber Heritage Region

A Crucial Role in History

The Underground Railroad is one of the most profound examples of resistance against slavery in American history. This clandestine network helped enslaved individuals escape from bondage in the South, often guiding them to freedom in the North or even as far as Canada. Within the Pennsylvania Lumber Heritage Region, the town of Williamsport played a key role in this movement, acting as a crucial stop along the Underground Railroad.

Williamsport, known as the “Lumber Capital of the World” during the height of the lumber industry, was also home to progressive individuals who risked their safety to assist those seeking freedom. However, the town, like much of the country, was a place of contrasts—it also harbored slave hunters and, later, members of the Ku Klux Klan. These opposing forces make Williamsport’s role in the Underground Railroad all the more significant.

Pathways Through the Forests and Rivers

The rugged terrain of the Lumber Heritage Region, including the Allegheny Forest, provided natural cover for escape routes. Waterways like the Susquehanna River served as vital arteries for transportation, helping individuals evade capture as they moved northward.

Daniel Hughes, a towering figure—literally and metaphorically—in this history, stands out for his courageous efforts. At over 6’7” tall and weighing nearly 300 pounds, Hughes was a lumber river raftsman on the West Branch of the Susquehanna. He migrated to Pennsylvania from New York in 1828 and settled with his family in the Pennsdale-Muncy area, along what is now known as Freedom Road.

Hughes used his profession to mask his abolitionist activities, hiding escapees on his lumber rafts and transporting them to safety. Together with his wife, Ann, and their 16 children, Hughes provided shelter, food, and protection to those fleeing slavery. His son, Robert, later recalled carrying meals to hidden groups in the woods and witnessing their incredible resilience.

A Network of Allies

The Hughes family’s efforts were supported by other abolitionists in the area, including Robert Faires, the owner of the Williamsport-Elmira Railroad. Faires hid escapees in his home and transported them in railway baggage cars bound for Elmira, New York. This network of assistance was critical in ensuring safe passage for those escaping slavery, illustrating the power of collective action in the face of adversity.

Another key figure in the region’s Underground Railroad history is William Whipper, a wealthy Black lumber merchant and businessman. Alongside his partner, Stephen Smith, Whipper used his resources to assist hundreds of individuals on their journey to freedom. Operating along Pennsylvania’s Main Line Canal and the Allegheny Portage Railroad, these men provided critical transportation routes that extended the reach of the Underground Railroad.

Freedom Road: A Living Memorial

One of the most poignant reminders of this history is the renaming of “Nigger Hollow” to Freedom Road in 1936. The new name reflects the community’s acknowledgment of the sacrifices and contributions of individuals like Daniel Hughes and his family. Hughes also donated part of his land for use as a cemetery, which now serves as the resting place for nine African American Civil War veterans.

This historical marker and the stories tied to it are a testament to the courage and determination of those who fought for freedom—not only for themselves but also for countless others.

Williamsport’s Legacy

Williamsport’s connection to the Underground Railroad extends beyond its geography. It was a town that hosted abolitionists and progressive thinkers, including Frederick Douglass, who spoke at The Doebler House in 1867. The presence of such figures underscores the area’s importance as a hub for both the lumber industry and the fight for justice.

The interplay between the lumber industry and the Underground Railroad is a unique aspect of the Lumber Heritage Region’s history. Figures like Daniel Hughes and William Whipper demonstrate how resources from the lumber industry, such as rafts and transportation infrastructure, were repurposed to serve the cause of freedom.

Keeping the Story Alive

The stories of the Underground Railroad in the Lumber Heritage Region are essential reminders of the power of collective courage and determination. They also highlight the region’s complex history, where industry, progressivism, and resistance to oppression intersected.

By preserving these narratives, we honor the bravery of individuals who risked everything to help others. Their legacy continues to inspire us to strive for justice and equality in our own communities.