Reverend George B. Hitchcock House, Historic Underground Railroad station house in Lewis, Iowa.
The Reverend George B. Hitchcock House is a two-story stone residence in Lewis, Iowa, featuring 21-inch thick walls and hand-hewn timber framing. The basement contains multiple access points and a cooking fireplace, reflecting its original purpose.
Reverend George B. Hitchcock built this house in 1856 and operated it as a shelter for escaped slaves traveling through Iowa until 1865. The operation concluded at the end of the Civil War and the abolition of slavery.
The residence now operates as a museum, showcasing artifacts and educational materials related to the Underground Railroad network and the American abolition movement.
The house is open for guided tours from May through September, Thursday to Sunday between 1:00 PM and 4:15 PM, with cash-only admission. The building's layout and construction allow relatively straightforward access to all rooms, including the basement.
The basement features a purposefully designed chamber with concealed access through a false cabinet, a clever hiding place for those seeking freedom. This hidden room reveals the ingenuity and planning required to protect people from pursuers.
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