Abington Township played a critical role in the Underground Railroad, a secret network of freedom that helped more than 50,000 escaped slaves seek liberty in the North, writes Keystone Local Guide for NewsBreak.

Homes throughout Abington, including the Quaker estate “Vernon” in Rydal, provided shelter, but also hope and a chance at a new life. The secret routes and safe houses were operated by residents who were fully committed to the abolitionist cause.

The Peter Wentz Farmstead was at the heart of the community. Today, the property is a recognized site in the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. The farmstead housed both those enslaved and those who were dedicated to ending slavery.

The Abington community did not just help runaway slaves find freedom. Residents helped them settle and offered essential resources such as land, housing, and education. As a result, the township is home to the first A.M.E church in the area.

Several initiatives are working to preserve the legacy of this historic involvement, including Destination Freedom. One of the manifestations of this commitment is the walking trail map funded by Lackawanna Heritage Valley National State and Heritage Area.

Read more about Abington’s role in the Underground Railroad in NewsBreak.

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