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Lewis, Iowa: Secret Passages for Enslaved People

Minister and abolitionist Rev. George Hitchcock built his house in 1856 to accommodate enslaved people escaping to Canada, with a basement and secret hiding places.

Reverend George B. Hitchcock House

Address:
63788 567th Lane, Lewis, IA
Directions:
Reverend George B. Hitchcock House. A mile west of town on Nishna Valley Rd; watch for the sign.
Hours:
May-Labor Day Th-Su 1-5 pm, or by appt. (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone:
712-769-2323
Admission:
Adults $5.
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Visitor Tips and News About Secret Passages for Enslaved People

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Home with Secret Passages.

Home with Secret Passages to Hide Slaves

Off a gravel road, Admission is $5 per person. Definitely worth taking time to see. Wonderful restoration of history!

[A Mickelson, 08/14/2017]
Home with Secret Passages to Hide Slaves

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]

Underground railroad.

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

Cabbage Patch Fantasy LandCabbage Patch Fantasy Land, Griswold, IA - 6 mi.
Mini-Bomber: Crash SiteMini-Bomber: Crash Site, Walnut, IA - 8 mi.
Coffee Pot and Cup Water TowersCoffee Pot and Cup Water Towers, Stanton, IA - 22 mi.
In the region:
Smiley Face Water Tower, Adair, IA - 28 mi.

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