Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Those with their own boats, kayaks, and canoes can explore the Buffalo River that winds
through the mills.
LAST STOP ON THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD
Prior to the Civil War, Buffalo was a hotbed for abolitionist sentiment. Buffalo's
proximity to Canada made the city an important and emotional stop on the Under-
ground Railroad. Historians have noted that Buffalo differed from other locales that
figured prominently in helping escaped slaves to freedom. Buffalo's tolerance and
supportofabolitionfosteredanenvironmentwhereescapedslavescouldmoveabout
relatively freely.
There were times when escaped slaves in Buffalo needed shelter. Bounty hunters
bentonreclaimingslaveswouldarriveinBuffaloseekingtheirquarry.Atsuchtimes,
some slaves were hidden in two secret spaces inside the
Michigan Street Baptist
Church
(511 Michigan Ave., 716/837-3226). Call ahead to arrange for an informal
tour of the church. Visitors can view a secret spot in the loft of the church, above the
choir, as well as a dark recess hidden underneath what appears to be a stairwell. In
the basement of the church, there is a modest interpretive center with artifacts and
general information on the Underground Railroad. The tour is free, but donations are
welcome.
The last stop on U.S. soil for slaves escaping through Buffalo was
Broderick
Park
(west end of Ferry St.) along the Niagara River in the shadow of the Peace
Bridge.Slavestraveledinsecrecyonfootformonthstoreachthisspot—ashortboat
ride to Canada, then freedom. Proposed improvements to this island park include an
amphitheater and improved interpretive signs.
Head north from downtown Buffalo, and you'll enter the bohemian district known as
Al-
lentown
(
www.allentown.org
)
. The epicenter for arts, live music, and gay culture, Al-
lentown is bordered by Plymouth Avenue and North, Edward, and Main Streets.
The heart of Allentown is Allen Street. On weekends, the area is perfect for people-
watching as hipsters, live-music lovers, bar hoppers, and college students flow in and out
