Footsteps to Freedom UGRR Walk

Join us for this historic 4-mile walk, which demonstrates the aspects of the journey that Freedom Seekers took through Iowa to escape slavery.

​The Jordan House is one of five historical homes still standing from the Underground Railroad era in Iowa. Enslaved individuals would often leave Missouri in search of freedom in the Northern states or Canada. The trip was perilous as they had to stay hidden, didn’t know who they could trust, and were often hunted by their enslavers. Iowa had many individuals who believed in the worth of all humans and risked their livelihood and material wealth to build communities that housed and aided those passing through. The Jordan House holds many of these stories.

Overview: Participants will gather at the Jordan House in preparation for the 4-mile walk around the Raccoon River. Throughout the event, participants will experience stories and themes that educate them about the history of this journey through Iowa. We end with a celebration to honor the lives lived and the bravery demonstrated, which is the legacy of Iowa.

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You may also like the following events from West Des Moines Historical Society:

• This Sunday, 14th September, 03:00 pm, Iowa Files: Hoyt Sherman's Enduring Legacy in West Des Moines
• Next Thursday, 18th September, 07:00 pm, Step Back in Time Book Group; The Briar Club in West Des Moines
• Next month, 4th October, 09:00 am, Historic Cemetery Tour in West Des Moines