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The Past is in our Future
Port
Deposit's rich African American history.
On the eve of the Civil War, Port Deposit had one
of the largest free Black communities in the United States. There were three
verifiable free black communities all located in the hollows of the town.
In the south of the town the area was known as Snow
Hill (in Heckartown), it is now listed on the National Historic Register
To the center where Tome Highway is now there was the
Howard Chapel (M.E.) community and to the north was Rock Run community.
As well as numerous free black families along the old canal.
The Snow Hill community located in the South side of town had
Black merchants and business owners running successful enterprises. Most of this
"Colored" community could read and write, skills denied most all African
Americans of that time. Odd as it may seem today, in 1840 one Slaveholder named
Charles Johnson
even owned 5 slaves, he himself being a Colored man.
Port Deposit native, the Honorable
John AJ Creswell, once a slave owning family
was the first elected representative to speak of a Constitutional Amendment for
the Abolition of Slavery.
The town had several stations for the Underground Railroad.
with many of it's leading citizen turning a blind eye to the passage of those
traveling on there way to freedom. This is not to say that there weren't those
who's prejudices and hatred did not manifest itself, but by and large this was a
town that all depended on each other for their success.
It is our intent as writings, research and artifacts come to
light to post them on this site for all to view and if desired make comment.
By far there are several individual who have researched this
part of our past and are represented here with their works. If you know of
anyone else who collection should be part of tribute to our heritage please let
us know.
Contact us
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