Chatham-Kent
Buxton National Historic Site & Museum
Located on the original site of the Elgin Settlement - one of the last stops on the Underground Railroad for many runaway slaves. In the mid-1800s, this settlement was a haven of freedom for fugitive slaves who risked everything to escape the brutality of slavery in the USA. The museum has original artifacts from the community, library and research area. Buxton is one of the few remaining African Canadian Settlements still in existence since the pre Civil War era.
Minimum Time Required: 1.5 hours
Uncle Tom’s Cabin Historic Site
The centre focuses on the life of Josiah Henson, who was born in slavery in Maryland in 1789, and escaped via the Underground Railroad into Canada in 1830. Henson and a group of ex-slaves, Quakers and other abolitionists purchased 200 acres of land near Dresden, Ontario in 1841, where they established a vocational school, the British American Institute for Fugitive Slaves. The Underground Railroad Freedom Gallery recounts the history of fugitive slaves leaving Africa, their enslavement in the United States, and the flight to freedom in Canada. Guided tours, on-site catering and Gift Shop are available.
Minimum Time Required: 1.5 hours
Black Mecca Exhibit at the Heritage Room
Located nearly one hundred kilometres away from the nearest U.S. border crossing, Chatham was far enough away from America that fugitive slaves were fairly safe from visiting bounty hunters and slave catchers. Chatham became a critical terminal on the Underground Railroad and one of the strongholds of the abolitionist movement in Canada. During the 1850s, Chatham was home to a strong and influential black middle-class that cared for thousands of escaped freedom seekers from the United States.
Minimum Time Required: 1.5 hours
Rondeau Provincial Park
The coastal wetlands of Rondeau attract shorebirds and marsh birds and a unique assortment of waterfowl. An extensive trail system winds through this rich Carolinian forest perfect for campers and birders alike.
RM Classic Car Exhibit
Visitors enjoy an exhibit of more than 60 rare and valuable vehicles. A guided tour of this ever-changing display brings guests close to one of the world’s finest car collections.
Smith & Wilson Estate Wines
Visit the winery where the vines seem to fall into the north shore of Lake Erie. The wines, the view and the people make a trip to Smith & Wilson Estate Wines a truly memorable experience. Open year round for tours.
