The visitor center is situated on land formerly owned by the Stewart family, who were the slaveholders of the Brodess family, who enslaved Tubman.
The park's design incorporates the 'cemetery of the unknown,' honoring unnamed freedom seekers who traversed the region.
The building’s architecture is inspired by the form of a 'shotgun house,' a cultural building style found throughout the South.
The park serves as the southern anchor of the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway, a 125-mile scenic drive.
The landscape surrounding the park contains salt marshes that are currently being monitored for the effects of sea-level rise on historical preservation.
The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park commemorates the life and work of Harriet Tubman within the landscape where she escaped slavery. The site features an immersive visitor center containing exhibits on Tubman’s early life in Dorchester County and her role as a conductor on the Underground Railroad. The park is situated within the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, preserving the marshes and forests that once served as navigation markers for freedom seekers. A legacy garden and memorial space offer areas for reflection on the historical geography of the region. The visitor center architecture utilizes sustainable design, including a green roof and high-efficiency systems, to minimize environmental impact. Outdoor spaces include walking trails that provide access to the landscape typical of the areas Tubman traveled. Educational programs and interpretive displays detail the specific environmental challenges faced by escapees in the Maryland Eastern Shore region.
The Legacy Garden with the park’s architectural backdrop during the late afternoon.
Visit the Legacy Garden to see native plants used by enslaved people for food and medicinal purposes.
Bring binoculars to view the diverse bird species found within the adjacent Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge.
Allow extra time to explore the expansive surrounding refuge trails after touring the visitor center exhibits.
Do not attempt to walk through the marshy areas off the marked trails due to unstable terrain and high mosquito populations.
Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.
Maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor throughout the memorial areas and inside the visitor center.
