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| Buxton National Historic Site and Museum |
As we sat in the in the cabin listening to Bryan and Shannon share their history
of the Underground Railroad, our minds grappled with the story that was being told to us.
of the Underground Railroad, our minds grappled with the story that was being told to us.
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| Shannon Prince demonstrating the slave collar. |
Shannon said "Yes, Patricia. You have questions? I can see the wheels in your head churning."
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| "One More River To Cross" written by Bryan Prince is based on the life of his Great Grandfather Issac Brown, who was a slave. |
Patricia replied, "It is just that we haven't heard this before. It was always Harriet Tubman makes it to Canada; end of story, end of movie, cut." We all giggled at Patricia's description of the Hollywood storybook ending of the escape to freedom.
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| Inside view of the log cabin. |
Patricia aptly summed up what we Americans were thinking about our new history lesson.
Our TBEX FAM trip Follow The North Star Tour had brought us to Buxton Township of the Chatham-Kent area of Ontario, Canada.
Our TBEX FAM trip Follow The North Star Tour had brought us to Buxton Township of the Chatham-Kent area of Ontario, Canada.
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| TBEX FAM trip Follow The North Star Tour |
We, TBEX Travel Bloggers/Writers were chosen to explore Canada's Black Heritage. Our diverse group of women travel bloggers included Jennifer Huber of Solo Travel Girl from Florida; Steph Spencer of A Nerd At Large from Ontario Canada; Alouise Dittrick of Traveler Ahoy from Nova Scotia; Melissa Hogan of Suitcase and Heels from New Foundland; Patricia Patton of Boomer Wizdom from New Jersey; Chelle Roberts of Brown Girls Fly from Chicago; Michaela Hall of Awe Inclusive from New York; Roxanne Scott of Who's World from New York; and myself Janice Temple of The Skychi Travel Guide of Chicago.
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| Bryan Prince, Author and Researcher lectures about North American Black Heritage. |
Now you are probably wondering what truths did we uncover about The North Star Trail? Well, we learned that the story did not end with Harriet Tubman reaching Canada. As a matter of fact Harriet Tubman never made it to Buxton in Chatham-Kent which is located one hour from Detroit, Michigan. The history of freedom is a Black and White story shared by both people. The presence of the Indian is just a myth in the lineage belief of poses sing Indian blood. It is more a story of the blending of the White and Black people.
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| Bryan and Shannon Prince are descendants of freed slaves. |
Today Buxton is a town of 500 people of which the majority are descendants of former slaves. It was one of the most successful planned settlement for runaway slaves. It was started by a white man named Rev. William King in 1849.
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| This 1861 Schoolhouse educated students until 1969. Bryan and Shannon are former students of this school. |
The Buxton Nation Historic Site and Museum curated by Bryan and Shannon Prince houses a 1852 log cabin, a 1861 school house, 1858 mission church, 1975 Railroad station.
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| This log cabin was built in 1852. |
The Buxton Museum hosts an Annual Homecoming every Labor Day Weekend. It is a 90 year old tradition that includes a History & Genealogy Conference, Family Feud Baseball Tournament, Dance Party in the park, Church Services, Living History, Parade, Sports Events, Classic Car Show, Championship Games, Children Activities, Craft Tables, and exhibits.
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| Buxton National Historic Site Picnic Area |
Visit Buxton National Historic Site and Museum
North Buxton, Ontario, Canada
Have you ever thought about connecting with your Canadian cousins?