CANADA'S PART IN THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD

Did you know July 9th is a significant day in history? July 9, 1793, Lt. Governor John Graves Simcoe helped push a royal assent that allowed a colonial act to limit slavery in Upper Canada- The Upper Canadian Act Against Slavery. It helped open the door for black people from the United States and those living in Canada to live as free men and women. By 1833, slavery was abolished in the British Empire. In the 1840s, the Underground Railroad or the "Freedom Trail" was established to assist slaves to go the Northern states or Canada from the Southern American states. People risked their lives to help those on the road to freedom. Ontario history is rich with the subject. There is so much to say about it. I would recommend doing your own research to learn about this important piece of Canadian history. Settlements occurred throughout the province. For example, near Barrie Ontario in Oro Township there is a plaque and remembrance to a small settlement and a church where an original group of 40 "coloured" families settled in 1847. Parks Canada has deemed several sites throughout Canada honouring this community. I would surmise few Canadians really recognize what an important day this is. Did you know about this day? Well, now you do!