The Coffin House, located in Fountain City, Indiana, is a National Historic Landmark. It earned the nickname "Grand Central Station" of the Underground Railroad due to its strategic location where three escape routes to the North converged. This two-story, eight-room, brick home was constructed around 1838–39 in the Federal style and was a significant stop for fleeing slaves seeking freedom.
The Coffin House was the residence of Catharine and Levi Coffin, Quaker abolitionists who played a significant role in the Underground Railroad. They provided fugitive slaves with supplies and a safe haven, aiding as many as 2,000 slaves to escape to freedom during their twenty years of residence in Indiana.
The Coffin House is open to the public for tours from Tuesday through Saturday, from June through October. There is an admission fee for visitors over the age of six. This provides an opportunity for visitors to learn about the history of the Underground Railroad and the significant role the Coffin House played in it.
History & Anthropology Historic house Religion
201 US Hwy 27, Fountain City
No exhibitions in Levi and Catharine Coffin House State Historic Site have been found.
Levi and Catharine Coffin House State Historic Site has 1 rating.
The Levi and Catharine Coffin House State Historic Site in Fountain City, United States, offers visitors an insightful look into a crucial part of American history. This well-preserved 19th-century home played a significant role in the Underground Railroad, helping hundreds of enslaved individuals escape to freedom.
Visitors appreciate the knowledgeable and passionate tour guides who bring the story of the Coffins and their brave efforts to life. The house itself is well-maintained, and the exhibits effectively illustrate the ingenuity and risks involved in operating a station on the Underground Railroad. Many reviewers mention the hidden spaces and secret rooms as particularly impactful elements of the tour.
The site provides a sobering and educational experience, offering a tangible connection to the struggles faced by those seeking freedom and those who aided them. Some visitors note that the tour can be emotionally moving, as it vividly portrays the realities of slavery and the courage of those involved in the abolitionist movement.
On the downside, a few visitors mention that the site is relatively small, and the tour might be brief for some. Additionally, as it's a historic house, accessibility could be an issue for those with mobility limitations, particularly on the upper floors.
Overall, the Levi and Catharine Coffin House State Historic Site is highly regarded for its historical significance, well-informed presentations, and the powerful story it tells about a crucial period in American history.
This rating is based on the rating of this museum on several other platforms.