Exploring Black History

in Sugar Hill and Around Morris-Jumel Mansion

As the oldest surviving house in Manhattan, Morris-Jumel Mansion has borne witness to much of New York City’s rich and diverse history. Situated on the border of Sugar Hill and Washington Heights, the museum and neighborhood has been shaped by Black history.

When
60–75 minutes
Where
2.5 miles
Public Transportation

Tour Start—Nearest bus stops: M2, M3, M100 at W 166 St/St. Nicholas Ave; M5 at Broadway/W 167 St; M4 at Ft Washington Ave/W 165 St // Nearest train station: 1 A C at 168 St*
Tour End—Nearest bus stops: M2 at Edgecombe Ave/W 160 St; M3, M100, M101 at Amsterdam Ave/W 158 St // Nearest train station: C at 163 St
Note: The 168 St Station 1 and 155th Street C are not ADA-accessible

Begin
2

Underground Railroad Site

857 Riverside Dr, Southbound

This 1851 house, originally built in the Greek Revival-Italianate style, is likely the only surviving house in Upper Manhattan with known ties to the abolitionist movement. The house, owned by Dennis Harris and his friend Judge John Newhouse, is believed to be a stop on the Underground Railroad, providing shelter to enslaved people before they escaped by boat to Canada. Today, Save Riverside, a group of neighbors and preservationists, are advocating for the site to become a protected landmark.