Lewis, Iowa: Home with Secret Passages to Hide Slaves
Minister and abolitionist George Hitchcock built his house in 1856 to accommodate slaves escaping to Canada, with a basement and secret hiding places.
Hitchcock House
- Address:
- 63788 567th Lane, Lewis, IA
- Directions:
- Hitchcock House. A mile west of town on Nishna Valley Rd; watch for the sign.
- Hours:
- May-Sept. T-Su; 1-5 pm. (Call to verify)
- Phone:
- 712-769-2323
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Visitor Tips and News About Home with Secret Passages to Hide Slaves
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Well, there is one secret passage. And there's a $5 charge to tour the house. But it's worth it!
[Kim Watts, 06/28/2012]
Home Built for Underground Railroad The Hitchcock House, a stop on the Underground Railroad, was built in the 1850s by George Hitchcock, a minister and ardent abolitionist. The house was specifically built to harbor slaves on their way to freedom in Canada.
It included a full basement, which was unusual for the time. A tiny secret room hidden behind a hinged cupboard in the basement kitchen provided an additional hiding area when the slaves' safety was threatened.
[Jan Unsicker, 08/13/2010]Nearby Offbeat Places
- Tiny Church: Morning Star Chapel, Elk Horn, IA - 20 mi.
- Coffee Pot and Cup Water Towers, Stanton, IA - 22 mi.
- Only Working Danish Windmill In America, Elk Horn, IA - 20 mi.
- In the region: Bronze Statue of Chef Boyardee, Omaha, NE - 43 mi.
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