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Black History

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From about 1830 until the end of the American Civil War, escaped slaves made their way across the Canada-U.S. border through the Underground Railroad, a secret route that led to freedom (there was no actual railroad involved). Many were headed for the Village of Sydenham (Owen Sound), the last "terminal" of the railroad, and settled here, finding work and raising families.

With the arrival of the earliest settlers such as Richard Ringo and John "Daddy" Hall, the City's first town crier, Black people have worked hard to make a place for themselves where they could live and raise their children in freedom and peace.

In honour of these settlers, a commemorative cairn in Harrison Park was unveiled on July 31, 2004 at the annual Emancipation festival and picnic. The picnic has been held every year since 1862, always on the first weekend in August, marking the anniversary of the British Emancipation Act of August 1, 1834. It is believed to be the longest-running Emancipation event in North America.

Owen Sound's Historic Walking Tour includes several stops that help illustrate the city's Black history, including the Kennedy Foundry site, Molock House, the British Methodist Episcopal Church, Pettigrow/Urquhart house, the Farmer's Market building, Tone Yoga Studio (a former Congregational Church) and Harrison Park. 

Visitor Information Centre

FALL/WINTER HOURS & LOCATION:

From October (Thanksgiving weekend) to May (Victoria Day long weekend), Visitor Services is available at City Hall, 808 2nd Avenue East. City Hall is open Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

SPRING/SUMMER HOURS & LOCATION:

From May (Victoria Day weekend) to October (Thanksgiving weekend) Visitor Services are available at the Visitor Centre, 1155 1st Ave West. It is open 7 days a week: Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and weekends 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Check online for changes to hours due to Covid-19.

Harrison Park Campground & Reservations call 519-371-9734

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© 2019 City of Owen Sound

Tourism Office
1155 First Avenue West
Owen Sound, Ontario,
N4K 4K8

Tel: 519-371-9833
Feedback

Email: vacation@owensound.ca

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  • Explore
    • Black History
    • Galleries and Museums
    • Heritage
    • Library
    • On the Water
    • Parks Trails and Scenic Lookouts
    • Sound Outlook
    • Tours
    • Videos
    • View All...
  • Stay
    • Bed and Breakfasts
    • Camping and RV
    • Live Music
    • Living in Owen Sound
    • Resorts Hotels and Motels
    • Spas, Relaxation and Wellness
    • Things to do & Places to see
  • Eat/Shop
    • Breweries and Wineries
    • Businesses
    • Farmers' Markets and Local Food
    • Restaurants
    • River District
    • Savour Owen Sound
    • Scenic City Swag
    • Shopping Districts
    • Theatre and Film