Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park

Located along the Christina River in downtown Wilmington, Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park is both a waterfront gathering space and a site of historical remembrance. Positioned within Wilmington’s revitalized Riverfront district, the park honors two pivotal figures in American history: Harriet Tubman and Thomas Garrett.

Historical Significance: The Underground Railroad in Wilmington

Wilmington played a critical role in the Underground Railroad during the 19th century. The city’s proximity to the Mason-Dixon Line made it a key transition point for enslaved individuals seeking freedom.

Harriet Tubman (c. 1822–1913)

Harriet Tubman, born into slavery in Maryland, became one of the most courageous conductors of the Underground Railroad. Tubman made numerous trips south to guide enslaved people north to freedom, often passing through Delaware.

While Tubman is most closely associated with Maryland and New York, Delaware’s geographic position made it a critical corridor in her escape network.

Thomas Garrett (1789–1871)

Thomas Garrett, a Wilmington businessman and Quaker abolitionist, was one of the most active Underground Railroad agents in the state. From his Wilmington home and office, Garrett assisted an estimated 2,500 freedom seekers.

Garrett faced legal prosecution and financial penalties for his actions, but continued his work unwaveringly. His collaboration with Harriet Tubman strengthened Delaware’s place in abolitionist history.

Creation of the Park

Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park emerged as part of Wilmington’s broader Riverfront redevelopment in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. The area, once dominated by industrial shipping and rail infrastructure, underwent transformation into a mixed-use district featuring parks, residential buildings, and cultural attractions.

The park includes public art and interpretive elements commemorating Tubman and Garrett’s legacy, connecting the physical landscape of Wilmington to its moral and civic history.

The Harriet Tubman Sculpture

One of the park’s most recognizable features is the sculpture honoring Harriet Tubman, which serves as a focal point for reflection and education. The monument anchors the park’s identity and reinforces its role as a commemorative space within an otherwise modern entertainment district.

The Riverfront Today

The park sits along the Christina River and connects to:

• Wilmington’s Riverwalk
• Frawley Stadium
• The Delaware Children’s Museum
• Nearby restaurants and residential developments

This setting creates a contrast between present-day leisure space and the city’s 19th-century role in the struggle for freedom.

The park represents:

• Wilmington’s Underground Railroad legacy
• The partnership between Tubman and Garrett
• The city’s industrial-to-cultural transformation
• A space for public remembrance within an active urban district

Unlike purely recreational parks, Tubman-Garrett carries both civic symbolism and historical weight. It serves as a reminder that Delaware’s story includes not only industry and finance, but also courage and moral resistance.