Nathan and Mary Johnson properties, Historical residence in New Bedford, Massachusetts, United States
The Nathan and Mary Johnson properties consist of two joined buildings on Seventh Street that blend Federal and Greek Revival design elements. The structures sit side by side and showcase how prosperous free African American households were arranged and furnished during that era.
Nathan and Mary Johnson, free African Americans, acquired these properties in 1832 and converted them into a refuge for escaped slaves. Frederick Douglass sought shelter here in 1838 shortly after his own escape from bondage.
These properties represent a vital stopping point on the path to freedom for people escaping slavery and remain deeply connected to New Bedford's African American community. The preserved rooms and stories within speak to acts of courage and resistance that shaped the region's identity.
The buildings now function as headquarters for the New Bedford Historical Society and require advance booking for guided visits. Plan to spend time navigating narrow rooms and hallways that reflect how families lived and worked in tight quarters during the 1800s.
A hidden attic space behind a trapdoor is believed to have sheltered people escaping from slavery according to local records and oral history. This concealed chamber remains one of the most compelling details for those exploring the physical evidence of the escape route.
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