Syracuse, New York is a city with a rich history of African American culture. From early abolitionists and the Underground Railroad to the 15th Ward and the city’s resurgence of the Salina St. corridor. Read on to discover how you can explore Black History in Syracuse and Onondaga County all year round.
History & Culture Trails & Museums
Walk through History
Take a self-guided tour along Syracuse’s own Freedom Trail and experience the history-making sites of the Abolitionist Movement. The Trail commemorates places, people, and events of the 19th century. Along the way, visitors can view signs and markers that share information and historical lessons of this movement. The Trail winds throughout downtown Syracuse and includes highlights such as the Jerry Rescue Monument, Plymouth Church, Courier Building and the Mission restaurant, formerly the Wesleyan Church.
Faces of the Underground Railroad
Dedicated to the history of anti-slavery and Underground Railroad activity in Onondaga County, the Onondaga Historical Association’s Freedom Bound exhibit personalizes the story of the Underground Railroad while educating visitors about slavery, abolitionism, tolerance, and the meaning of freedom through a highly immersive experience. See the gallery come alive with the lights, images, voices, sounds, and music of the period, helping to tell this important piece of our local history.
Discover Harriet
Established in 2017, the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park features the Harriet Tubman Residence as well as the Thompson Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, a Visitor Center and the Tubman Home for the Aged. Discover Tubman’s core values as you walk through the homestead with a self-guided tour of the property. Finish off this historical trip with a visit to the Fort Hill Cemetery, where Harriet Tubman is buried. Find out more about the park and life of Harriet Tubman here.
Virtual History
Now you can explore Our Stories: A Virtual Black History Museum, from anywhere. The Black History Preservation project honors and celebrates the history and heritage of black people in Syracuse and Central New York. The virtual community museum currently stores over 220 pieces of Black History, including audio interviews, newspaper clippings, photographs and more. The documentary, Syracuse’s 15th Ward and Beyond can also be found on the Museum’s site.
Notable Syracusans
Rev. Jermain Loguen and his wife, Caroline, were conductors on the Underground Railroad. Known all over the Northeast as the Underground Railroad King, the Loguen's helped upwards of 1,500 enslaved peoples to freedom.
The Loguens' daughter, Sarah Loguen Fraser (born Sarah Marinda Loguen) was the first female African American to graduate from the Syracuse University College of Medicine. She was also one of the first African American female physicians specializing in obstetrics and pediatrics.
Onondaga County sent at least 30 African American soldiers to fight in the Civil War, including several who fought in the famed Massachusetts 54th Colored Regiment, including James Jameson, George Washington, and George Alexander. 10 of the men are buried at Oakwood Cemetery.
Syracuse Stars player, Moses Fleetwood Walker, was the first Black man to play professional baseball. He did so in 1884, playing for the Toledo Mud Hens, and later the Syracuse Stars. After Moses, professional baseball was segregated until Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in 1947.
Syracuse Nationals star Earl Lloyd was the first African American to play professional basketball in the NBA. On October 31, 1950 Lloyd took the court for the Washington Capitols. He was picked up by the Syracuse Nationals in 1952, after serving in the Korean War. Lloyd played 6 seasons with Syracuse, helping lead them to the League Championship in the 1954-55 season. Lloyd was inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame in 2003.
Syracuse University Running Back Ernie Davis, "The Elmira Express," helped lead Syracuse to the school's only national title in 1959. He became the first African American player to win the Heisman Trophy in 1961.
*Notable Syracusans information provided by Onondaga Historical Association.
