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Welcome to the Downtown Binghamton Freedom Trail!

We are so happy you have joined us on this journey. Each stop is dedicated to influential locations and people within the Binghamton Community who were essential pieces in the abolition of slavery and securing civil rights. This trail strives towards being an educational and insightful experience for all and puts those who worked towards civil rights at the forefront.

Trail map tip: the trail map was created using Google Maps. If you are logged into Google Chrome browser, it might conflict or prevent you from using this map. Opening the map in an incognito or private browser window should emliminate this conflict.

1. Harriet Tubman Statue

   Welcome to the Downtown Binghamton Freedom Trail! This very first stop includes a marker for  Harriet Tubman and in March 2025 will include a Harriet Tubman Statue 'Leading the Way to Freedom,' created by artist Zoe Dufour and a memorial garden! We sure hope you will come to the unveiling in March of next year over which  New York Governor Hochul will be presiding. At the next stop you will be learning about Elias Hawley and the amazing things he did as an Underground Railroad conductor.

   *If you would like to be a recipient of The Harriet Tubman Center for Freedom and Equity newsletter please reach out to our email, htc@binghamton.edu. The newsletter includes announcements, events, as well as much more that is being done through the center located on ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ’s Vestal Campus.*

   Distance to the next stop: 322 feet, 1 minute walk
   

2. Elias Hawley

   Hello you have made it to the second stop! Now that you have learned about Harriet Tubman, the most famous Underground Railroad conductor, learn more here about Elias Hawley and his pioneering work.  Continue onto the next stop, where you will learn about Stephen Hand and his experiences and accomplishments of being a conductor for the Underground Railroad. 

   Distance to the next stop: 0.2 miles, 5 minute walk
   

3. Stephen Hand

   Welcome to stop 3! You have learned about two influential individuals in the underground railroad within this community. The next stop you will learn about the African American Community within Binghamton and the surrounding area as a whole. 

   While the trail is free for all, are welcomed and appreciated! Donations will maintain the accessibility and upkeep of the trail, white supporting the Harriet Tubman Center for Freedom and Equity. 

   Distance to the next stop: 0.3 miles, 8 minute walk
   

4. African American Community

   You have made it to stop 4! If you keep going you will learn about the influential churches that assisted in securing civil rights. The first church, and next stop, is at the Trinity Zion Church. 

   Distance to the next stop: 456 feet, 2 minute walk
   

5. Trinity Zion Church

   Welcome to stop 5!  This stop is near the ORIGINAL location of Trinity Zion Church.  Continue onto the trail and you will learn about the Bethel Church. 

   Distance to next stop: 0.2 miles, 3 minute walk
   

6. Bethel Church, site 1

   Don’t stop now! The next stop is right around the corner, there is more to learn about the Bethel Church. 

   Distance to next stop: 0.1 mile, 3 minute walk
   

7. Bethel Church, site 2

   Now that we have learned about the impact of the churches, it is time to move on and learn about the first school for Black children in this area! Keep going and you will make it to the next stop to learn about school No. 8 and Amelia Loguen. 

   Distance to next stop: 0.3 miles, 7 minute walk
   

8. School No. 8

   Welcome to stop 8! Keep up the great work, you are over halfway done now. At the next stop, you will learn about a major historical museum located right in downtown Binghamton.   It was the residence of Sherman David Phelps. 

   Distance to next stop: 350 feet, 2 minute walk
   

9. Phelps Mansion

   You have made it to stop 9! For all of you sports fans, the next stop is dedicated to one of the first Black professional baseball players who played right here at Binghamton. We know you know Jackie Robinson, but have you heard of Bud Fowler?

   Distance to next stop: 0.2 miles, 4 minute walk
   

10. Bud Fowler at Mirabito Stadium

    Welcome to the Mirabito Stadium and stop 10! Keep going, you are almost there. At the next stop you will learn about Brigham Hall and the monumental meeting that took place. 

    Distance to next stop: 0.5 miles, 11 minute walk
    

11. Brigham Hall

    Hello, you have made it to stop 11! At the next stop, you will learn about Major J. J. Olmsted and the pivotal role he played in the Underground Railroad network.

    Distance to next stop: 0.3 miles, 6 minute walk
    

12. Major J.J. Olmsted

    Welcome to stop 12! This is the second to last stop on this trail, so don’t stop now. Keep going and finish this journey with us.  Please join us in honoring Martin Luther King and his one of a kind contribution to American civil rights. the MLK Jr. Statue located right next to the Chenango River.

    Distance to next stop: 0.2 miles, 5 minute walk
    

13. MLK Jr. Statue

    Congratulations and welcome to the last stop! You have officially completed the Downtown Freedom Trail! If you would like to  to assist in the trails upkeep and ability to host education opportunities and community events you can do so right on our webpage. A suggested contribution is $10 per person. Additionally, with a gift of $5,000 or more, you can become a conductor of The Harriet Tubman Center for Freedom and Equity in Binghamton!  Conductors are considered to be partners in our work in furthering civil rights in our community, nationally and beyond.

    Want to keep going? There is an optional stop at the Trinity A.M.E. Zion Church! It is 0.7 miles away, a 17 minute walk.
    

14. Trinity A.M.E. Zion Church (Bonus Stop)

    Job well done! Congratulations on completing the entire trail and the bonus stop!