Visit One of America’s Last Intact Underground Railroad Safe Houses
Tucked along the quiet streets of Jamestown, Pennsylvania—just minutes from the shores of Pymatuning State Park and the Crawford County line—stands a house with a past that refuses to be forgotten.
Gibson House Manor is more than a beautifully restored Civil War-era estate. It’s a living chapter of American history—one of the few Underground Railroad safe houses in the United States still intact, accessible, and open to the public year-round. Built in the 1800s, this five-story brick home became a sanctuary for freedom seekers escaping the horrors of slavery, offering them refuge, dignity, and hope on their dangerous journey north to Lake Erie and freedom in Canada.
Inside, you’ll find 11 original hiding spaces—carefully preserved throughout the house and carriage house—each with its own story of resilience. The home itself remained largely untouched by time, allowing the Friends of the Manor Charitable Trust to fully restore it with historical accuracy, guided by extensive research and verification by the Pennsylvania Historic Preservation Commission.
But Gibson House Manor is not a place that rests on its past. Since its reopening, it has welcomed thousands of visitors through guided tours, educational lectures, and special events that bring history to life. Guests learn not only about the Underground Railroad, but about Pennsylvania’s bold role as the first state to abolish slavery, the economic forces of the 1800s, the impact of the Fugitive Slave Act, and the passage of the 13th Amendment. A special segment even explores the hidden messages in quilt patterns used to signal safe houses—an often-overlooked part of the story.
Tours include the option of a gracious lunch served on fine china, ADA-accessible video presentations, and a stop in the gift shop—all part of a 1.5 to 2.5-hour immersive experience that educates, moves, and inspires.
As we approach the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026, there has never been a better time to visit and reflect on the stories that helped shape this country. Gibson House Manor invites you to walk through history—through the rooms where brave men, women, and children once hid, and through the legacy that now stands proudly in their honor.
Plan your visit
📍 210 Liberty Street, Jamestown, PA 16134
📧 gibsonhousemanor@allfacilities.com
🌐 www.friendsofthemanor.org
Come see the past—still standing, still speaking.