Thomas Garrett (1789-1871)
Upper Darby, Delaware County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
Born at Riverview, near here, Garrett was a prominent abolitionist and Underground Railroad activist. He moved to Wilmington, DE in 1822, and sent many fugitive slaves to his brothers at Riverview, Fernland Farms, and here at Thornfield. He was a devout Quaker and associate of Harriet Tubman and William Still. Although convicted and fined, he aided 2,700 freedom seekers; his commitment to their emancipation was unwavering.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
Thomas Garrett was born at Riverview in Delaware County and became one of the most fearless conductors on the Underground Railroad. A devout Quaker who moved to Wilmington in 1822, he funneled freedom seekers northward to family properties, working alongside Harriet Tubman and William Still. Though convicted and heavily fined under the fugitive slave laws, he never relented—by his own account aiding some 2,700 people on their journey out of slavery.
Why it matters
Garrett's decades of defiance made him a linchpin of the Underground Railroad in the Delaware Valley, a reminder that ordinary citizens risked ruin to make the promise of freedom real.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Bridgette Mayer7.4 mi away · 709 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- African American Museum in Philadelphia7.5 mi away · 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Congress Hall7.6 mi away · Philadelphia, PA
- Liberty Bell Center7.6 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia
- Independence Hall7.6 mi away · 520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Visitor Center7.6 mi away · 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- American Bandstand4.4 mi away
- Philadelphia Zoo5.5 mi away
- Pennsylvania Railroad, Connecting Railway Bridge5.6 mi away
- Discovery Center at East Park Reservoir5.9 mi away
- Rocky Steps6.1 mi away
- The Universal Sphere6.6 mi away
Food & drink
- Munchie’s Cafe7.4 mi away · 728 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Philly Pretzel Factory7.4 mi away
- Talula's Garden7.4 mi away · 210 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Talula's Daily7.4 mi away · 208 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Burger King7.4 mi away
- Fat Salmon7.4 mi away · 719 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia Center City6.9 mi away · 237 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Cambria Hotel Philadelphia Downtown - Center City6.9 mi away · 219 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Holiday Inn Express6.9 mi away · 1305-11 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Fairfield Inn & Suites6.9 mi away · 261 South 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Residence Inn Philadelphia Center City7.0 mi away · 1 East Penn Square, Philadelphia, PA
- The Notary Hotel7.0 mi away · 21 North Juniper Street, Philadelphia
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Related people
- · Thomas Garrett
- · Harriet Tubman
- · William Still
Themes & tags
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