Secret door Inside the Levi Coffin house

The Secret door Inside the Levi Coffin house stands as a silent witness to the risk 19th century American Quakers took in helping black slaves escape to freedoom.

The Levi Coffin House

Behind this door lay a narrow crawlspace, ingeniously designed to conceal up to fourteen freedom seekers on their perilous journey north. This unassuming feature epitomises the ingenuity and bravery of the Quaker couple Levi and Catharine Coffin, whose home became known as the ‘Grand Central Station’ of the Underground Railroad.

Constructed in 1838, the Coffin House was more than a residence; it was a sanctuary meticulously crafted to aid those fleeing the bonds of slavery. Beyond the secret crawlspace, the house featured multiple exits in most rooms, a spring-fed well in the basement for an uninterrupted water supply, and ample attic space — all designed to support and protect its clandestine guests.

Levi Coffin, a devout Quaker and successful businessman, alongside his wife Catharine, dedicated their lives to the abolitionist cause. Their home served as a beacon of hope, providing shelter, nourishment, and guidance to an estimated 2,000 enslaved individuals seeking freedom. Catharine organised sewing circles to clothe the fugitives, while Levi coordinated safe passage further north, often under the cover of night.

Their unwavering commitment came at personal cost. Levi faced threats from slave catchers and economic boycotts from those opposing his activities. Yet, he remained resolute, famously stating:

“The Bible, in bidding us to feed the hungry and clothe the naked, said nothing about colour, and I should try to follow out the teachings of that good book.”

Today, the Levi Coffin House stands as a National Historic Landmark, preserved to honour the legacy of those who risked everything in the pursuit of freedom. Visitors can explore the very spaces that once offered refuge, gaining insight into the courage and compassion that defined the Coffins’ mission.

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