The Underground Railroad at Maplewood Rose Garden
From the collection of the Rochester Public Library Local History & Genealogy Division.
Nestled within the serene beauty of Rochester’s Maplewood Rose Garden lies a rich and often untold chapter of our city’s history. This site, now known for its vibrant roses and tranquil Genesee River views, was once a critical part of the Underground Railroad—a pathway to freedom for hundreds of enslaved individuals.
In the mid-19th century, Rochester played a pivotal role in the abolitionist movement, with figures like Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman orchestrating daring escapes for freedom seekers. Just north of today’s Rose Garden was Kelsey’s Landing, a vital departure point where enslaved people boarded cargo ships flying foreign flags. These ships provided passage across Lake Ontario to Canada and freedom. Historical records suggest that an estimated 100 individuals per year made this journey from Rochester, amounting to over 1,300 people by the time railroads replaced steamboat travel.
In one of his autobiographies, Douglass said he personally escorted dozens to the landing, where they boarded ships. This is how he described one of his trips to Kelsey’s Landing:
“We reached the boat at least fifteen minutes before the time of its departure, and that without remark or molestation. But those fifteen minutes seemed much longer than usual. I remained on board until the order to remove the gang-plank was given; I shook hands with my friends…and returned home with a sense of relief which I cannot stop here to describe.”
The Maplewood neighborhood, which encompasses the Rose Garden, was also home to abolitionist Lindley Murray Moore. His 1830s farm overlooked the Genesee River and served as a hub for anti-slavery efforts. Though the original Moore residence no longer stands, its legacy remains as a symbol of courage, collaboration, and hope in the fight for freedom.
In these present times, it is more important than ever to remember our history—to honor the resilience of those who sought freedom and the bravery of those who supported them. This shared heritage invites us to unite our community’s hearts, celebrate our progress, and lift our vision for how we continue this legacy of justice, compassion, and equality today. Together, we can draw inspiration from this past to shape a future where every person has the opportunity to thrive.
-by April Foreman