On Friday, Upper Darby unveiled a historical marker to help residents learn about the township’s role in the Underground Railroad.
Township officials, including Mayor Edward Brown, were joined by students from Holy Child Academy, 475 Shadeland Ave., for the unveiling of the Riverview House / Cleveland Farm Underground Railroad historic marker in the 400 block Shadeland Avenue.
Holy Child eighth grade students Juliana Lanni and Mia Martin had the honor of unveiling the marker.
This historic marker is located at the second stop of the Upper Darby Underground Railroad Tour.
The Riverview House was the birthplace of Thomas Garrett, a dedicated abolitionist, who helped over 2,700 enslaved people escape to freedom, including members of Harriet Tubman’s family.
Though the original home is no longer there, the marker notes Thomas Garrett Jr. and his wife Mary Sharpless who would help moved slaves from Delaware.
Officials gather for a photo at the Underground Railroad marker. (PETE BANNAN-DAILY TIMES)
The Upper Darby Underground Railroad Tour self-guided tour was created in 2021 by former Upper Darby Mayor Barbarann Keffer and the Upper Darby Historic Commission, to highlight local history of the Underground Railroad and early American life in Delaware County.
The trail has eight stops and begins at Thornfield on Garrett Road, a busy stop on the route. The township trail runs through Arlington Cemetery and finishes at Friends Cemetery on Powell Lane.
“This is a positive story we tell about history in Upper Darby Township,” said historian Scott Alberts. “We really encourage everyone to take the self-guided tour.”
Originally Published: April 25, 2025 at 1:11 PM EDT