13 Essential US Historical Journeys for Every American

5. Underground Railroad Byway (Harriet Tubman)

The Underground Railroad Byway pays tribute to the hidden heroes and secret routes that helped enslaved people reach freedom in the North. Centered in Maryland and Delaware, this journey’s key stops include the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center and the Bucktown Village Store, sites fundamental to Tubman’s life and the brave missions she undertook. Driving tours connect original safe houses, churches, and secret meeting places, while new interpretive centers shed light on stories of courage, ingenuity, and resilience. Guided programs and educational signs help visitors understand both the perils and triumphs faced by freedom seekers—and Tubman’s role as one of America’s most iconic activists. Today, the journey resonates deeply with social justice travelers and students, offering a living classroom where past injustices and modern progress are both brought to light. Many report that this path inspires renewed commitment to equity and remembrance.