Proposed Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad New York Byway
The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad New York Byway (HTURB) is an initiative of the Underground Railroad Consortium of New York State (URCNYS) that will connect sites related to the Underground Railroad and Harriet Tubman, including some URCNYS sites and sites that showcase freedom seekers’ journeys through New York state, as a series of thematic heritage tourism experiences. This byway’s primary intrinsic quality is demonstrated by its significant historic integrity, particularly evidenced at the National Park Service’s designated “Travel with Tubman” and “Network to Freedom” sites in New York.
Initially, the Byway Steering Committee is seeking designation for nine segments across 12 counties representing 244.32 miles, with 28 documented resources demonstrating the significance of Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad in New York.
VISION
As a vehicle for education, preservation, and economic growth, the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad New York Byway (and All-American Road*) fosters community pride, enhances residents’ quality of life, preserves its historic and natural assets, inspires visitors to be agents of change, and elevates the authentic stories of Freedom Seekers on their journey to Freedom by providing exceptional and inclusive experiences along its 550-mile route.
TAGLINE: Sharing Authentic Stories of Harriet Tubman, the Underground Railroad, and Freedom Seekers in New York.
* This determination depends on the Federal Highway Administration’s reopening of the national program to designate new national scenic byways and All-American Roads.
