DelDOT Commemorates Harriet Tubman Centennial

Officials Unveil Corridor Management Plan for Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway

Dover -- The Delaware Department of Transportation, through the Delaware Byways Program and community leaders, is promoting the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway and related activities as the state approaches the centennial anniversary of Tubman's death.

"We're recognizing the courage of Harriet Tubman in her efforts to lead people to their freedom. We're also hoping to educate the public on the importance of Delaware as one of the important stops in the Underground Railroad," said Delaware Department of Transportation Byways Program Coordinator, Ann Gravatt.

On Friday, March 1, 2013, Governor Markell will present a proclamation for Harriet Tubman Day at the Old State House, and will kick off a "Ten for the Tenth," the first of ten days of commemorative activities leading up to the 100th anniversary of the passing of Harriet Tubman on March 10, 1913. The culmination of the ten days of events, on March 10, will include two separate relays/walks in Camden, and at the Wilmington Christina Riverwalk - both of which were stops on the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad. For more details of these events, please visit www.harriettubmanjourney.org.

Born as a slave in Maryland, Harriet Tubman was an abolitionist, humanitarian and main architect of the Underground Railroad which helped slaves escape to freedom in Canada. Tubman personally led 13 missions to rescue more than 70 slaves before the abolition of slavery in 1865. The Underground Railroad included a route from Maryland through Camden, Dover, Smyrna, New Castle and Wilmington, Delaware, and then continued north to Canada.

On March 1, the Department of Transportation will also unveil a Corridor Management Plan (CMP) which helps to preserve, promote, enhance and manage the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway. The CMP includes a map of the Byway showing stops along the Underground Railroad (to view the stops, or get additional information, please go to www.harriettubmandelaware.com).

"The Corridor Management Plan should be very helpful to tourists who wish to get a first-hand look at stops of the Underground Railroad, enjoy all of the surrounding attractions, and walk through an important part of American history," said Byways Program Coordinator Ann Gravatt.