Talbot County joins with destinations across Maryland to celebrate the inspiring efforts of people who fought for freedom during International Underground Railroad Month.
Celebrate International Underground Railroad Month by taking a deep dive into African American history in Talbot County. Through a variety of events and offerings, you can explore the birthplace of Frederick Douglass, dive into the maritime stories of the Underground Railroad, and learn about the brave men that formed the United States Colored Troops.
Explore the Birthplace of Frederick Douglass
Famed orator, author, statesman, and abolitionist Frederick Douglass was born into slavery in Talbot County in February 1818. His quest for freedom and natural rights began here, and the start of his journey is marked with a Civil War Trails marker, which can be viewed at Covey’s Landing in Cordova, Maryland. A bronze statue of Douglass is also featured outside the Talbot County Courthouse.
These are just two of several sites within Talbot County where you can explore the life of Douglass and his time here. Explore his journey further through a self-guided driving tour.
Constitution Day to Feature Douglass Portrayal on Sept. 17
Witness a live enactment of Frederick Douglass on Constitution Day with the the Mid-Shore Constitution Alliance as they host, “Our Journey to Liberty and Freedom,” on Wednesday, Sept. 17 from 4:30 – 6 p.m. at the Academy Art Museum. Renowned actors Darius Wallace as Frederick Douglas and Kurt Smith as Thomas Jefferson will be featured, performing a conversation between the two.
Frederick Douglass Honored on Sept. 27
A full-day celebration for Frederick Douglass Day is scheduled for Sept. 27, 2025 in downtown Easton. A parade, welcome ceremony, children’s village, marketplace, exhibits, and lecture will be held in honor of Douglass, who was born enslaved in Talbot County and escaped during the month of September.
Dive into the Maritime Stories of the Underground Railroad
Self-emancipation along the Underground Railroad was not entirely by overland routes. Many enslaved persons made their way to freedom using the Bay and other coastal water routes along the Atlantic seaboard. The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum’s “Sailing to Freedom: The Maritime Dimensions of the Underground Railroad,” explores the lesser-known maritime aspects of the Underground Railroad. Based upon the 2021 book “Sailing to Freedom,” the exhibition expands the understanding of how freedom was achieved by sea and what the journey looked like for many African Americans.
Learn About the Brave Men that Formed the United States Colored Troops
“With Valor and Honor: Talbot County’s United States Colored Troops During the Civil War,” is on display at the Talbot Historical Society. The exhibit shines light on the sacrifices and contributions of over 600 Black men from Talbot County that served in the United States Colored Troops (USCT) after the Emancipation Proclamation.
After exploring the exhibit, take a 5-mile detour from Easton to visit Unionville, where 18 Black soldiers who served in the Union Army are buried. More than half of these soldiers were assigned to the 7th United States ‘Colored’ Infantry Regiment, fighting in several pivotal battles during the Civil War. After being discharged in 1866, the veterans came together to build a school and church on land that would be named Unionville, in honor of their Civil War service. The graves of the Black veterans are marked with a Civil War Trails marker at St. Stephen’s AME Church cemetery, located at 9467 Unionville Rd, and many of today’s homeowners are descendants of the original landowners.
