The Liberation of Jane Johnson
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
In 1855, an enslaved woman and her two sons found freedom, aided by abolitionists William Still, Passmore Williamson, and other Underground Railroad activists. They escaped from their Southern owner while being transported through Philadelphia and settled later in Boston. The incident, which occurred nearby, and Williamson's subsequent imprisonment and famous trial attracted national attention, further intensifying the North-South conflict.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
In 1855, an enslaved woman named Jane Johnson and her two sons seized their freedom as their owner brought them through Philadelphia, aided by abolitionists William Still and Passmore Williamson and the Underground Railroad network. Williamson's refusal to produce them landed him in jail, and the resulting trial became a national sensation. The family eventually settled in Boston, free.
Why it matters
The case dramatized how Northern free soil and determined activists could defy slaveholders' claims, sharpening the sectional conflict that would soon erupt into civil war.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Merchants' Exchange Building0.3 mi away · 143 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Living History Center0.3 mi away
- Museum of the American Revolution0.3 mi away · 101 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Powel House0.3 mi away · 244 South 3rd Street
- Larry Becker Contemporary Art0.4 mi away · 43 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Science History Institute0.4 mi away · 315 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- USS Becuna0.2 mi away · South Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
- USS Olympia0.2 mi away · South Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
- City Tavern0.2 mi away · 138 South 2nd Street
- First Bank of the United States0.3 mi away · 120 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Carpenters' Hall0.4 mi away · 320 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Second Bank of the United States0.4 mi away · 420 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Food & drink
- Olivier Cafe0.3 mi away · 50 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- FRIEDA0.3 mi away · 320 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- National Mechanics0.4 mi away · 22 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia
- Menagerie Coffee0.4 mi away · 18 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Buddakan0.4 mi away · 325 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- PrimoHoagies0.4 mi away · 304 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- Hilton Philadelphia at Penn's Landingnearby · 201 South Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
- Philadelphia Marriott Old City0.2 mi away · 1 Dock Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Thomas Bond House0.2 mi away · 129 South 2nd Street, Philadelphia
- Penn's View Hotel0.3 mi away · 14 North Front Street, Philadelphia
- Apple Hostels0.3 mi away · 33 Bank Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Apple Hostels Philadelphia0.3 mi away · 32 South Bank Street, Philadelphia, PA
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Related people
- · Jane Johnson
- · William Still
- · Passmore Williamson
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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