Prior to the Civil War, runaway slaves followed the path of the Underground Railroad to Canada (The Promised Land) to secure their freedom. Although Canada assured their freedom, life in Canada was a struggle because of the cold weather and the lack of economic opportunities.

There were four settlements in the lower part of Ontario, Canada. They were the Dawn Settlement, the Buxton Settlement, Wilberforce Settlement and the Refugee Home Society. They were challenged by the weather and poor funding, but also failed leadership. Money collected to support these settlements was misused or stolen.

There is a need to tell this story to chronicle the ongoing struggles that slaves encountered trying to secure their freedom.

Presented by Syl Woolford, recognized by the Delaware National Education Association and the NAACP for his contribution to the preservation of African American history. Mr. Woolford is a member of the Delaware Heritage Commission, the Historical and Cultural Affairs Collections Committee, the Historic Preservation Fund, and the Wilmington University History Committee.