Buffalo, NY: Home of the chicken wing, streetlights, and… the Underground Railroad? While it’s sadly true that most of the Underground Railroad sites within the city limits have been demolished, there is a site nearby that remains intact today.
Murphy Orchards is a you-pick orchard, tea room, and local historic site in Burt, NY.
Murphy Orchards - Facebook The 65-acre fruit farm is open to the public at no admission charge. You can find it at 2402 McClew Rd., Burt, NY – just about an hour from the City of Buffalo.
The building on the grounds was constructed in 1850, which is where the history of Murphy Orchards begins.
Murphy Orchards - Facebook Original owners Charles and Libby McClew built the farmhouse, barn, and outbuildings in the mid-1800s and they are still used in the same way to this day.
It is believed the McClews were a part of the Underground Railroad Network.
Murphy Orchards - Facebook (PC Jen Snooters) You can still find the concealed chamber through the trap door located inside the barn. This is the spot where people escaping from slavery would hide and were cared for by the McClews until they could safely continue on their journey to Canada (and, ultimately, freedom).
Today, you can take guided tours and learn about the Underground Railroad Heritage at the farm.
Murphy Orchards - Facebook These guided tours are available by reservation by visiting the Murphy Orchards website. Tours are available for larger groups and school groups and make for a perfect field trip opportunity!
The farm has been family operated and in continuous production since the early 1800s.
Murphy Orchards - Facebook They say that family-owned businesses rarely last through generations, but Murphy Orchards is out to prove people wrong! The farm has been in operation since the 1800s.
Bring the family for a day of fun on the farm. And don’t forget the jam!
Murphy Orchards - Facebook Murphy Orchards is a popular place for more than history lessons. Families and visitors travel near and far to pick fruit from the orchards and purchase personalized jam and jellies from the barn.
Murphy Orchards also features a beautiful Tea Room for guests to enjoy an afternoon event.
Murphy Orchards - Facebook If walking the historic grounds and seeing the Underground Railroad chambers wasn’t enough to make you step back to the past, the Tea Room is a great place to do it. Murphy Orchards hosts afternoon tea events in this beautiful space. Light lunches and afternoon teas are served in the original farmhouse, with meals centering around fruits and vegetables harvested on the farm.
Reservations are suggested, but not required, to enjoy a day at Murphy Orchards.
Murphy Orchards - Facebook You can visit Murphy Orchards at any time of year to enjoy the grounds and facilities. The Underground Railroad tours are available by appointment, but the picking is perfectly ripe and ready for you without reservation!
You can learn even more about Murphy Orchards, their rich history, and their current hours of operation by visiting their Facebook page.
Have you ever been to Murphy Orchards to learn about the Underground Railroad? Have you stopped by to pick some delicious fruit to bring home with you? Share your experiences in the comments below, and we’d love to hear about your other favorite historic sites near Buffalo too!
Murphy Orchards - Facebook
The 65-acre fruit farm is open to the public at no admission charge. You can find it at 2402 McClew Rd., Burt, NY – just about an hour from the City of Buffalo.
Original owners Charles and Libby McClew built the farmhouse, barn, and outbuildings in the mid-1800s and they are still used in the same way to this day.
Murphy Orchards - Facebook (PC Jen Snooters)
You can still find the concealed chamber through the trap door located inside the barn. This is the spot where people escaping from slavery would hide and were cared for by the McClews until they could safely continue on their journey to Canada (and, ultimately, freedom).
These guided tours are available by reservation by visiting the Murphy Orchards website. Tours are available for larger groups and school groups and make for a perfect field trip opportunity!
They say that family-owned businesses rarely last through generations, but Murphy Orchards is out to prove people wrong! The farm has been in operation since the 1800s.
Murphy Orchards is a popular place for more than history lessons. Families and visitors travel near and far to pick fruit from the orchards and purchase personalized jam and jellies from the barn.
If walking the historic grounds and seeing the Underground Railroad chambers wasn’t enough to make you step back to the past, the Tea Room is a great place to do it. Murphy Orchards hosts afternoon tea events in this beautiful space. Light lunches and afternoon teas are served in the original farmhouse, with meals centering around fruits and vegetables harvested on the farm.
You can visit Murphy Orchards at any time of year to enjoy the grounds and facilities. The Underground Railroad tours are available by appointment, but the picking is perfectly ripe and ready for you without reservation!
You can learn even more about Murphy Orchards, their rich history, and their current hours of operation by visiting their Facebook page.
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