Levi Coffin House, Underground Railroad station in Fountain City, US
Description
The Levi Coffin House is a two-story brick residence built in Federal style with hidden chambers designed to shelter people fleeing slavery as they traveled northward. The structure features carefully planned elements including an interior water well and concealed passages that allowed movement between different sections of the building.
History
From 1839 to 1847, the house served as a refuge where Levi and Catharine Coffin helped more than 2000 enslaved people reach northern states. This period made the building and its residents key figures in a larger network of liberation.
Culture
The house reflects the Quaker community's strong stance against slavery, with the family and neighbors working together to shelter people escaping bondage. Visitors can sense how this commitment shaped the daily life and choices of those who lived here.
Practical
The house welcomes visitors from Tuesday through Saturday during June to October with guided tours explaining its role in the Underground Railroad network. It helps to check ahead about available tours or special programs to get the most from your visit.
Did you know?
The house features a water well running through its interior, an uncommon feature for homes of that era that served both practical and symbolic purposes. This detail reveals how the Coffins deliberately designed their infrastructure to provide safety and self-sufficiency.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Fountain City).
Hoosier Hill
7.7 km
Richmond High School
15.2 kmUnion Literary Institute
15.9 km
Wayne County Courthouse
14.5 km
Richmond Art Museum
15 km
Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church
14.4 km
Richmond Railroad Station Historic District
14 km
Abram Gaar House and Farm
12.9 km
Christopher C. Walker House and Farm
15.6 km
Old Richmond Historic District
15.2 km
Starr Historic District
14.6 km
Richmond Downtown Historic District
14.5 km
Henry and Alice Gennett House
14.7 km
Reeveston Place Historic District
13.4 km
Richmond Civic Theater
14.6 km
East Main Street-Glen Miller Park Historic District
14.8 km
Bethel A.M.E. Church
14.8 km
Mary Birdsall House
13.7 km
Centerville Historic District
16.9 km
Earlham College Observatory
14.9 km
Richmond Gas Company Building
14.4 km
Lewis Jones House
14.9 km
Andrew F. Scott House
14.3 km
David Worth Dennis House
14.3 km
King-Dennis Farm
11 km
Morrison-Reeves Library
14.4 km
Model T Museum
14.1 km
James and Sophia Clemens Farmstead
17 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes