This is the first iteration of an ongoing effort to research and highlight the history of the Underground Railroad and early American life in our community. What we do know is that our local history is an important part of the struggle for equal rights in this country.
Download the Tour Guide Here:
Upper Darby Underground Railroad Trail Guide (PDF)
Step-by-Step Directions
To access the self-guided tour by public transit, take the 101 or 102 trolley from 69th Street Transportation Center to Drexel Hill Junction. Thornfield, the Thomas Garrett House, and the first site on the tour is a block away. At the end of the tour, at the Friends Southwestern burial ground, walkers can pick up the 42 bus on Marshall Road, which runs through West Philadelphia and Center City to Penn’s Landing.
1-Thornfield (Private Property)
3218 Garrett Rd, Drexel Hill, PA 19026
Please note that this location is private property. When visiting this site, please do not trespass.
Starting Point
—————-
Head northeast on Garrett Rd toward Shadeland Ave—276 ft
Turn left onto Shadeland Ave
Destination will be on the right—0.1 mi
4 min (0.2 mi)
2-Riverview House / Cleveland Farm
475 Shadeland Ave, Drexel Hill, PA 19026
—————-
Head northwest on Shadeland Ave toward Huey Ave—0.2 mi
Turn right onto School Ln
Turn left at the Cemetery entrance, the farmhouse is on the left
Destination will be on the left—0.4 mi
12 min (0.6 mi)
3-Riverview Farm / Fernland Farm NPS (Arlington Cemetery)
2301 School Lane, Drexel Hill, PA 19026
—————-
Continue through the cemetery towards the State road entrance
The large white Mt.Vernon replica building is your destination
16 min (0.8 mi)
4-Museum at Arlington (Garrett Collection)
2900 State Rd, Drexel Hill, PA 19026
—————-
Head northeast on State Rd toward Kenwood Rd
Pass by Wawa (on the left in 1.0 mi)—1.2 mi
Turn left onto Hazel Ave—207 ft
Turn right onto Maple Ave—0.1 mi
Turn right—79 ft
Turn left
Destination will be on the left—200 ft
28 min (1.4 mi)
5-Hoodland (Sellers Library)
76 S State Rd, Upper Darby, PA 19082
—————-
Head north toward Wayne Ave—200 ft
Turn right toward Wayne Ave—79 ft
Turn right onto Wayne Ave—0.1 mi
Turn right onto S Pennock Ave—289 ft
Turn left onto West Chester Pike
Destination will be on the right—295 ft
6 min (0.3 mi)
6-Howard House (Pica’s)
7803 W. Chester Pike, Upper Darby, 19082
—————-
Head east on West Chester Pike toward N Pennock Ave—0.8 mi
Turn right onto Copley Rd—0.2 mi\
Turn right onto Chestnut St—75 ft
Turn left onto Copley Rd—0.1 mi
Turn left
Destination will be on the right—338 ft
24 min (1.2 mi)
7-Sellers Hall (St. Alice Church Property)
150 Hampden Rd, Upper Darby, PA 19082
—————-
Head southeast toward Hampden Rd—95 ft
Turn right onto Hampden Rd—135 ft
Turn left onto Walnut St—0.5 mi
Turn right onto Powell Ln
Destination will be on the right—381 ft
12 min (0.6 mi)
8-Friends Southwestern Burial Ground
236 Powell Ln, Upper Darby, PA 19082
