The African American Heritage Trail

In 1850, the small village of Florence (then Bensonville), had a higher percentage of African Americans than nearby Springfield or even other strongly abolitionist communities in New Bedford and Boston. Many in this significant if short-lived historical community were self-emancipated former slaves. Others like Sojourner Truth and David Ruggles were among the nation’s leading black activists in the struggle to end slavery.

This tour of Florence, Massachusetts during the period of 1840 – 1860 begins at the Sojourner Truth Memorial Statue and brings you to many of the most important sites in early Florence history.

Explore the trail with this map or try the mobile version.

The Sojourner Truth Memorial Committee created this video series bringing you on a virtual tour of the African American Heritage Trail.