The Jerry Rescue Monument

The Jerry Rescue Monument, located in the southwest corner of Clinton Square, is dedicated to William “Jerry” Henry, a Freedom Seeker from Missouri.

On October 1st, 1851, Jerry, who had lived and worked in Syracuse for eight years, was arrested at work by the U.S. Marshals. Jerry attempted to escape, but failed, and was transported to a police station.

The Syracuse Vigilance Committee, a group of abolitionists in Syracuse who actively resisted the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, developed a plan to help Jerry escape to freedom.

A large group of people was gathered in front of the police station. At the signal, a group of citizens broke into the jail, rescuing Jerry and assisting him in escaping to Canada.

A monument was added to Clinton Square (pictured above | Photo Credit: The Onondaga Historical Association) in 1990 to commemorate the historic event known as the Jerry Rescue.

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The Central New York Freedom Trail

The Central New York Freedom Trail is commemorated throughout CNY with several plaques, celebrating and recognizing Syracuse’s rich history as the “grand central station” on the Freedom Trail.

Several information signs marking the Underground Railroad, Abolitionist, and African-American Historic and Cultural Sites exist throughout our community. These signs celebrate momentous events in Syracuse that primarily took place between 1830 and 1860. The signs also recognize white and black abolitionists who made Syracuse the epicenter of the anti-slavery movement in America.