William Whipper (1804?-1876)
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
A founder, American Moral Reform Society, he edited its journal, 1838-39. Active in the Underground Railroad, he aided hundreds of slaves passing through Columbia, Pa., 1847-60. Conducted lumber business in Columbia and this city. Later lived here.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
William Whipper, born around 1804, was a founder of the American Moral Reform Society and edited its journal in 1838-39, advocating self-improvement and equality. A committed Underground Railroad agent, he used his lumber business in Columbia, Pennsylvania, to help hundreds of freedom seekers passing through between 1847 and 1860. A prosperous Black businessman, he later made his home in this city.
Why it matters
Whipper joined moral reform with direct action, showing how Black entrepreneurs turned their resources into engines of resistance against slavery.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Bridgette Mayer0.4 mi away · 709 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Hill-Physick House0.5 mi away · 321 South 4th Street
- Congress Hall0.5 mi away · Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Hall0.5 mi away · 520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial0.5 mi away
- Philosophical Hall0.5 mi away · PA
Attractions
- Italian market0.3 mi away · Christian Street
- Liberty Bell0.5 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Second Bank of the United States0.6 mi away · 420 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- President's House0.6 mi away
- Carpenters' Hall0.6 mi away · 320 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- First Bank of the United States0.7 mi away · 120 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
Food & drink
- Talula's Garden0.3 mi away · 210 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Talula's Daily0.3 mi away · 208 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Fat Salmon0.4 mi away · 719 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Cafe Walnut0.4 mi away · 703 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Maya's Pizza & Grill0.4 mi away · 716 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Thank You Thank You Coffee Roasters0.4 mi away · 700 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- Alexander Inn0.3 mi away · 301 301 South 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, Philadelphia, PA
- Morris House Hotel0.3 mi away · 225 South 8th Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Fairfield Inn & Suites0.3 mi away · 261 South 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA
- AKA Washington Square0.4 mi away · 834 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia Center City0.5 mi away · 237 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Holiday Inn Express0.5 mi away · 1305-11 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
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Related people
- · William Whipper
Themes & tags
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