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Johnson House Review

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Johnson House

Fodor's Review:

After bringing visitors through the hidden back entrance of this 1768 home, guides retrace the experience of slaves who found a haven here when the Johnson House was a key station on the Underground Railroad. They weave the story of the Johnson family, Quakers who worked to abolish slavery, with that of Harriet Tubman, who was sheltered here with runaway slaves and later guided them to freedom. Visitors see hiding places, including the third-floor attic, learn underground railroad code words, and view slavery artifacts, such as ankle shackles and collars. In 1777, the house was in the line of fire during the Battle of Germantown; the shutters still show the impact of the musket rounds. The home, now an Underground Railroad Museum National Historic Site, was one of the largest in Philadelphia, which was unusual for a modest Quaker family.

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